Alabama’s Gulf Coast is experiencing a strong sea turtle nesting season, with the state’s Share the Beach conservation program confirming 89 nests along the shoreline so far in 2026.
Volunteers with Share the Beach patrol all 47 miles of Alabama’s Gulf Coast daily, searching for signs of nesting activity. As of August, the program has documented 85 loggerhead nests, two Kemp’s ridley nests and two green turtle nests, with loggerheads accounting for the vast majority of nests recorded on Alabama beaches each season. The program’s work is funded in part by Deepwater Horizon natural resource damage settlement funds provided by the Alabama Trustee Implementation Group.
Share the Beach is asking beachgoers to help protect nesting turtles and their hatchlings by keeping beaches clean, flat and dark each night. Officials said beachfront lights should be turned off or shielded after dark, since artificial light can confuse nesting females and disrupt hatchlings trying to reach the Gulf. Visitors and residents are also asked to fill in holes, knock down sandcastles, and remove all trash, chairs, tents and other beach gear from the sand before leaving each evening.
Established in 2005, Share the Beach is dedicated to protecting sea turtles that nest on Alabama’s beaches from May through October. Volunteers patrol beaches, educate the public and school groups, conduct late-night nest observations, and help prepare supplies and equipment. Anyone who wants to support the effort can adopt a nest through the Alabama Coastal Foundation, with proceeds funding Share the Beach volunteers and staff.
Anyone who spots a nesting sea turtle, an injured turtle or a distressed hatchling is urged to call 866-Sea-Turtle (866-732-8878).