Nesting beaches are critical for sea turtle reproduction and face multiple threats from development, lighting and disturbance that affect both individual welfare and population recovery.
Nesting sea turtles that encounter beach disturbance abort nesting attempts after exhausting swims to shore, forcing them to return to sea and repeat the process. Repeated nesting failures cause significant energy expenditure and may ultimately result in eggs being deposited in the water. Hatchlings disoriented by artificial light crawl toward roads and buildings where they die from dehydration, traffic or predation without ever reaching the sea. Nest crushing by vehicles destroys developing embryos and the hatchlings within them. The welfare impacts at nesting beaches compound the already severe threats sea turtles face in the ocean, making beach protection an essential component of holistic sea turtle welfare and conservation.