Florida Beaches Undergo Sand Replenishment During Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Over 14,000 sea turtle nests recorded on two Treasure Coast beaches from 2021-2025 as major beach restoration projects continue.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:03am

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Florida's sea turtles have laid over 14,000 nests on two St. Lucie County beaches that are currently undergoing massive sand replenishment projects, which are occurring during the start of nesting season. The timing of these projects during the critical nesting period is causing concern, as the noise, activity, obstacles, and changes to the sand can negatively impact sea turtle nesting behaviors and hatchling survival.

Why it matters

Sea turtle nesting is a vital part of the ecosystem, and the Treasure Coast is an important nesting ground. However, the beach restoration projects happening during nesting season pose risks to the turtles, potentially disrupting their nesting behaviors and endangering hatchlings. This highlights the challenge of balancing critical infrastructure projects with environmental protection.

The details

Crews with heavy equipment and portable lights are working day and night, seven days a week, to complete the beach restoration projects in St. Lucie County. From 2021-2025, green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles laid over 14,000 nests on the beaches undergoing replenishment. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has regulations in place to protect sea turtles, as the noise, activity, obstacles, and changes to the sand can stop turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings, leading to increased mortality.

  • From 2021-2025, over 14,000 sea turtle nests were laid on the beaches undergoing replenishment.
  • The beach restoration projects are currently ongoing during the start of sea turtle nesting season.

The players

Ecological Associates Inc.

A Jensen Beach environmental consultant that monitors sea turtle nesting on the Treasure Coast.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The state agency that regulates activities to protect sea turtles and their nesting behaviors.

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What they’re saying

“If the renourishment is done during nesting season, there is also a possibility nests will be buried too far underground or be run over by trucks. If the sand is of a different consistency or is too compacted, the nesting behaviors of turtles can be drastically altered.”

— Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

“Artificial lights can disorient mothers and hatchlings, directing them away from the ocean. They can die from dehydration, exhaustion, predation and being hit by cars if they make it to A1A.”

— Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

What’s next

The beach restoration projects are scheduled to continue through the remainder of sea turtle nesting season, raising ongoing concerns about the impacts on this critical wildlife habitat.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the delicate balance between necessary infrastructure projects and environmental protection. While the beach replenishment is important, the timing during sea turtle nesting season poses significant risks to these endangered species. Careful planning and coordination between developers and wildlife agencies is crucial to mitigate the impacts on sensitive ecosystems.