Nesting beaches for marine turtles face increasing pressures from development, light pollution, and climate change, threatening both welfare and conservation of all seven species.
Nesting marine turtles face welfare challenges at every stage of the beach process. Females interrupted during nesting may abort egg-laying partway through, or expend additional energy attempting multiple nesting attempts. Hatchlings disorientated by artificial light stumble toward roads and car parks rather than the ocean, dying from dehydration, vehicle strike, or predation. Climate-altered sand temperatures that skew sex ratios toward females will eventually affect population viability. Beach protection programmes that reduce lighting, restrict nighttime access during nesting season, and relocate threatened nests address both individual welfare and population conservation simultaneously.