It was Green Sea Turtle Week

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2026-10-01_A_18.pdf

On Marco Island, four green sea turtles nested, but one nest did not hatch as it was below the escarpment. Last week, two nests hatched, according to Marco’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Team, and one more is “TBD” (to be determined); they are hopeful it will hatch. This was a rare occurrence for Marco Island. They are less common compared to other species like the loggerhead sea turtles, which are more prevalent in this region, according to FWC.

For the August 2026 sea turtle count, according to FWC, green sea turtles continue to keep things interesting with 50,815 nests documented statewide. Their nesting numbers can vary widely from year to year, and 2026 is shaping up to be another strong season.

Here are some facts about green sea turtles:

• Federally and state-designated as a Threatened Species.
• Green sea turtles get their name from the fat under their shell.
• They are very OLD, with the oldest example of a fossil record back to 120 million years ago.
• From the time they leave the nest to the time they come back to reproduce is short of a miracle of nature.
• Long-distance travelers from hatching to maturity.
• It’s still a deep mystery on how they find their way home.
• They live a long time – to around 70 years or more.
• As adults, their only predators are the larger tigers and bull sharks.