Sea Turtle Species
As part of Nova Southeastern University's commitment to marine conservation, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP) works tirelessly to protect the diverse sea turtle species that call South Florida home. This page introduces you to the magnificent turtles found in our waters – including Leatherbacks, Greens, Loggerheads, and more – providing key facts, size and weight details, and insights into their unique nesting behaviors on our vital beaches.
Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas 
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mylads) is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, weighing 300-500 pounds and reaching up to 4 feet in length.
Nesting in Broward County
Green turtles are the second most common nesters in Broward County, contributing 5-10% of annual nesting (200-700 nests per season). They are the last species to arrive, with nesting mainly from June to September. Green turtles are known to crawl far onto the beach, often 400-600 feet, to lay eggs near the dunes.
Unique Facts
- Name Origin: Named for the green tint of their fat, a result of their diet of seagrasses and algae (containing chlorophyll), not their shell color.
- Migrations: They're known for migrating long distances and holding their breath for long periods, which is why they're often considered the "athletes of the sea turtle world."
- Appearance: They have a wide, smooth carapace (shell) that ranges from brown to olive in color.
- Diet: As adults, they are strictly herbivorous.
Conservation Status
Globally, some green turtle populations are endangered or critically endangered. However, due to significant conservation efforts, the North Atlantic and East Pacific subpopulations have improved and are now listed as Threatened.
Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata 
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a common sight in South Florida's waters, though primarily offshore. They average 2-3 feet in length and weigh between 200-375 pounds, similar in size to loggerheads.
Nesting in Broward County
While rare, we might observe a Hawksbill nest about once every five years in Broward County. Identifying these nests is challenging, as Hawksbills mimic Loggerhead nesting behavior: their crawls, nest mounds, and even hatchlings closely resemble those of Loggerheads, making visual identification difficult during morning surveys.
Unique Facts
- Habitat: Primarily inhabit coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and other shallow coastal areas.
- Carapace (Shell): They're known for their beautifully patterned shells.
- Diet and Role: Their bird-like beak allows them to feed on sponges within reef crevices. By consuming sponges, Hawksbills play a crucial role in regulating sponge overgrowth and maintaining coral reef health.
Conservation Status
Hawksbill populations are struggling globally and remain Critically Endangered. This dire status is largely due to historical and ongoing poaching for their highly valued shells, underscoring the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys kempii 
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is the smallest sea turtle species. Adults typically reach almost 2 feet in length and weigh around 100 pounds. While some are seen in South Florida waters, nesting is rare here.
Nesting Habits
Most Kemp's Ridley nesting in the U.S. occurs in Texas, but an overwhelming 95% nest on beaches in northeastern Mexico. Their nesting is unique: they are daytime nesters and participate in synchronized nesting events called "Arribadas," where thousands of turtles come ashore to lay eggs at once.
Unique Facts
- Habitat: Primarily inhabit nearshore coastal areas.
- Jaws: They have triangular jaws with a hooked beak, perfectly adapted for crushing crabs.
- Diet: Enjoy a varied diet including crabs, fish, jellies, and mollusks
Conservation Status
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. They are endemic to the Gulf of Mexico and Northwest Atlantic, meaning their declining populations cannot be supported by turtles from other regions, making conservation efforts in their native range extremely vital.
Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
The majestic leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest living sea turtle and one of Earth's largest reptiles. Typically 4-8 feet in length, the largest recorded individual was almost 10 feet and weighed 2,019 pounds!
Nesting in Broward County
Leatherbacks are the rarest of the three species nesting in Broward County, accounting for only about 1% of total nesting (20-60 nests per season). They are the first to arrive annually, with nesting generally from March to mid-June.
Unique Facts
- Shell: Unique, flexible shell of thick cartilage covered by tough, rubbery skin.
- Adaptations: Provides insulation and flexibility for cold, deep dives (up to 4,000 feet!), allowing them to travel through sub-arctic waters—the widest geographic range of any sea turtle.
- Diet: Primarily gelatinous organisms like jellyfish, tunicates, and pyrosomes.
Conservation Status
Globally, the leatherback is Vulnerable. However, the Northwest Atlantic subpopulation, which nests in Broward County, is classified as Endangered, facing a high risk of extinction. Our conservation efforts are crucial.
Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is often considered the "standard" sea turtle, typically weighing 200-400 pounds and reaching up to 4 feet in length.
Nesting in Broward County
Loggerheads are by far the most common nesters in Broward County, accounting for 95% of our nests. Florida is globally crucial for this species, hosting 90% of the North Atlantic Loggerhead population and 40% of global loggerhead nesting. Their nesting season runs from mid-April to September, making them the most likely sea turtle to be seen nesting at night on our beaches.
Unique Facts
- Name Origin: Named for their large heads, which can resemble a floating log when they surface to breathe.
- Jaws: Possess a massive jaw structure adapted for crushing hard-shelled crustaceans like conchs.
- Shell Growth: Their shells commonly host barnacles and other algae.
Conservation Status
Globally, the Loggerhead is listed as Vulnerable. However, thanks to decades of conservation efforts, the Northwest Atlantic subpopulation (which includes those nesting here) is listed as Least Concern, a more positive status compared to many other subpopulations worldwide.
Species Not Commonly Found in Florida
Scientific Name: Natator depressus 
As its name suggests, the Australian Flatback (Natator depressus) is exclusively found in Australian waters. Adults typically weigh up to 200 pounds and reach approximately 3 feet in length.
Nesting Habits
Australian Flatbacks nest primarily on Northern Australian beaches.
Unique Facts
- Predators: Adults are uniquely preyed upon by crocodiles.
- Appearance: Named for its distinctively flat carapace (shell).
- Diet: They are omnivores, consuming a varied diet from sea cucumbers to seaweed and fish.
Conservation Status
The Australian Flatback is listed as Vulnerable under Australia's Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act. However, it is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List due to insufficient information.
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is typically not found in South Florida waters, preferring tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Atlantic Oceans. They are the second smallest sea turtle species, weighing 75-100 pounds and reaching about 2 feet as adults.
Nesting Habits
Like Kemp's Ridleys, Olive Ridleys participate in unique, synchronized mass nesting events called "Arribadas." During these spectacular daytime events, thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to nest over a few days.
Unique Facts
- Diet: They are omnivores, consuming crabs, jellies, fish, and other invertebrates.
- Name Origin: Named for the distinctive pale green coloration of their shell.
Conservation Status
Globally, the Olive Ridley is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. In the United States, the species is listed as Threatened.
Contact Us
E-mail: seaturtles@nova.edu
Phone: (954) 262-3672
Sea Turtle Emergency Response Line
If you see a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle or hatchling(s) in Broward County, call (954) 328-0580
For over 30 years, NSU has been contracted by Broward County to implement and manage the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, which monitors sea turtle nesting activity on over 24 miles of Broward County beaches.