By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially underway, as Sea Turtle Inc. begins daily patrols along more than 50 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline following a record-breaking year in 2025.
Each year, April 1 marks the start of nesting season for the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, with South Padre Island serving as one of the species’ most important nesting grounds. Unlike most sea turtles, Kemp’s Ridleys nest during the daytime, giving beachgoers a rare opportunity to witness the process.
Throughout the season, which runs through August, trained staff and hundreds of volunteers patrol the beaches from sunrise to sunset, watching for nesting activity and protecting vulnerable eggs.
“Nesting season is where everything comes to life for us,” said Wendy Knight, CEO of Sea Turtle Inc. “After a record-breaking year, we’re expecting another strong season, and that means long days and nights protecting every nest we can. This is critical work for a species still fighting for survival.”
Officials are reminding residents and visitors to take simple precautions to help protect nesting turtles.
Beachgoers are urged to keep a safe distance from turtles, remove all trash and beach equipment before leaving, and fill in holes or flatten sandcastles that could pose hazards to nesting turtles.
Anyone who spots a sea turtle is asked to report it immediately by calling the Sea Turtle Inc. stranding hotline at (956) 243-4361.
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