Olive ridley turtles observed nesting on Huntington Beach, a first for the U.S. West Coast
Two olive ridley sea turtles were seen laying eggs on the sand at Huntington Beach, marking the first documented nesting of any sea-turtle species on the U.S. West Coast.
On Sept. 16, marine-safety lifeguards in Huntington Beach were alerted to a sea-turtle near Seal Beach that appeared to be laying eggs, a spokesperson confirmed via social media. The animal was identified as an olive ridley, a small species that can reach about 100 pounds and three feet long. Three days later, another turtle was observed nesting just south of the Huntington Beach Pier, prompting NOAA officials to secure the area with a sturdier fence.
Officials have not determined if the two nests belong to the same individual or to separate turtles. Olive ridley nesting populations are known from Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, but this is the first recorded instance of the species nesting in the United States. The nests will stay fenced and be watched throughout the 45- to 60-day incubation period.
Why it matters
It documents a rare wildlife event that could signal shifting marine turtle habitats along the U.S. West Coast.
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