An olive ridley sea turtle has laid eggs on a beach in Southern California for the first time in recorded history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The rare nesting event took place near Seal Beach in Orange County on September 16 and has been described by NOAA as the first-ever recorded natural nesting by any sea turtle species on the US West Coast.According to NOAA Fisheries West Coast, an olive ridley sea turtle was observed digging a nest and laying eggs on the beach near Seal Beach on September 16.The agency said the event is significant because olive ridley turtles, while occasionally seen in Southern California after following warm ocean currents, have never previously been documented nesting in the United States.Three days later, another sea turtle was spotted on the shoreline a few miles south, near the Huntington Beach Pier. It remains unclear whether the turtle was the same animal that nested near Seal Beach or a different one.
Turtle eggs to be monitored for up to 60 days
Local, state and federal agencies are monitoring the nesting sites during the incubation period, which typically lasts between 45 and 60 days.The areas where the turtle and eggs were found have been fenced off and fitted with signage to protect the nest and prevent disturbances.NOAA has urged beachgoers to maintain a safe distance from the nesting areas and avoid touching or moving the fencing and signs.“Keep your distance. Give nesting sites plenty of space, and don’t disturb the fencing or signage,” the agency said.
Officials have fenced off the area and will monitor the eggs for 45 to 60 days while urging beachgoers to maintain distance.
Olive ridley turtles usually nest in other countries
Olive ridley turtles are the smallest of the world’s sea turtle species. Adults can weigh up to 100 pounds and measure approximately 2.5 to 3 feet in length. They are estimated to live for around 30 to 50 years.The species is found primarily in tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Major Pacific nesting populations are found in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.According to NOAA, olive ridleys can occasionally be spotted in Southern California when warm currents bring them into the region, but the species has never previously been documented nesting in the United States.
The nest was discovered near Seal Beach on September 16. (Photo: NOAA)
Public urged to report sea turtle sightings
NOAA has asked the public to help scientists and wildlife officials by reporting sea turtle sightings in California.Anyone who encounters a stranded sea turtle has been advised to contact the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Stranding Hotline at (562) 506-4315.Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and officials have stressed that the fenced nesting areas should not be disturbed.NOAA also acknowledged the efforts of local, state and federal partners, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Huntington Beach lifeguards, Huntington Beach Fire Department, Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve, US Navy Seal Beach, Seal Beach Marine Safety Department, Aquarium of the Pacific and other agencies and organisations involved in protecting and monitoring the nesting sites.