Rain, Storms, and King Tides Disrupt Sea Turtle Nests

Monsoonal heavy rainfall has been steady in Southwest Florida over the weekend and more rain is predicted for the coming week. On Sunday morning, Marco Beach had ponding and mushy sand in many areas, with several sea turtle nests very close to the waterline. According to experts, some sea turtle eggs can withstand storm-related inundation and still produce hatchlings. 

Storm surges and heavy rainfall can flood coastal areas, submerge nests, and lead to the loss or decrease of the number of sea turtle eggs, as well as reduce hatchling survival rates. Loggerhead sea turtles average 110 to 120 eggs per nest throughout their range. With a quick walk to Sand Dollar Island, the erosion of the newly constructed berm and the formation of water channels have washed down many of the caged sea turtle nests; it is uncertain whether the eggs were also washed down. 

In 2024, nest hatching occurred from June 27th through September 21st, and according to the 2024 Collier County Annual Sea Turtle Report, tidal inundations caused by high tides, king tides, Tropical Storm Debbie, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton led to a less successful sea turtle season compared to previous years.   

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration predicts high tides will peak along South Florida's coast during the following days (peaks vary by location). During these periods, high tides will approach the National Weather Service (NWS) "Minor Flooding" threshold. Two king tides are predicted for September 6-12 (Full Moon) and September 19-25 (New Moon), and for October 3-25 (Full and New Moon).