Turtle Nesting

In the shores of the islands belonging to the US Virgin Islands, per year many sea turtles to lay their eggs. There are three types of sea turtles in the USVI local waters. During the spring season. Although some species will nest year round, there are distinct seasons of high activity. Normally in february the nesting starts, and with extensive activity from April through August.

The Leatherback Turtles are the first to begin nesting (february), they seek to nest on dynamic, wide sandy beaches. For example on point the frequent a lot is Sandy Point on the West end of St. Croix. Leatherback turtles are the largest species of the sea turtle, the weigh on average 600-800 pounds. A leather will lay around 80 eggs in each nest. A leatherback will lay 5 to 6 times in a season, with an interval of 10 days between. It takes approximately 60-65 days for the eggs to hatch and the baby turtles to emerge and enter the sea. These Turtles are endangered and are protected by law from human interaction.

Green turtles rather next later in the season, nesting lasting from August to October. Like the Leather back the will nest on sandy beaches, however they are known for nesting on cobblestones and rocky beaches such as Jacks, Isaac and East End Bay on St. Croix. The Green turtle weighs an average 200-300 pounds. This species lays an average of 110 eggs and the will produce on average 4.5 nests per season, with an interval of approximately11 days between nesting. The incubation period is around 5-60 days. Although they are not endangered, they have been named as threatened by hunters and scavengers. They are also protected by law.

Hawksbill turtles are the smallest of the three species commonly found nesting in the Virgin Islands. They weigh up to 215 lbs but are generally much smaller, at around 150 pounds. Peak nesting season is from July through October. Nesting occurs on many types of beach, including sandy and rocky beaches all around the island. However, no matter what type of beach they choose, hawksbill turtles prefer to nest high into the vegetation under sea grapes and Manchineel. Buck Island is one of the most important hawksbill nesting beaches in the Virgin Islands. This species lays a large number of eggs, with an average of 130 eggs in each clutch. A hawksbill will produce on average 2.7 nests per season, with an interval of approximately 14 days between nesting events. The incubation period for hawksbill turtles is similar to that of greens, at around 55-60 days. Hawksbill turtles are endangered and are also protected by law from harassment.