Last Updated on 02/18/2024

There are baby sea turtles found in all of the oceans of the world with the only exception being the Arctic ocean and any polar ocean waters. While they are found in all oceans, they are by far the most at risk of all of the sea turtles based on their size and lack of experience in the water with the predators that lurk nearby.

Baby sea turtles are the result of millions of years of mating and nesting rituals. When ready to lay eggs, the female will make her way to the beach where she was hatched and create a nes. She will use her hind flippers to dig a hole that is 40 to 50 centimeters deep, when the hole is to the female’s satisfaction, she will fill the nest with a clutch of eggs that will soon hatch.

A female will deposit 150 to 200 eggs, depending on the species of the female. The nest will then be refilled with the loose sand until it is not detectable by predators, and then the female makes her way back to the ocean.

Not all of the eggs of the baby sea turtles are fertilized, so some will hatch and some will not. The incubation takes about eight weeks, though it varies slightly from species to species as well as the temperature of the sand. If the eggs are nested in darker sand they will likely hatch sooner as the darker sands have higher temperatures.

When the baby sea turtles hatch, they tear out of their shells with their snout and then head towards the sea. Unfortunately, a very small percentage of the turtles will actually make it to the sea alive and those that do make it are still at great risk.

Only about .001% of the baby sea turtles that hatch will be successful in making it to the water alive as there are many predators that watch for the hatching. They are often hatching in large numbers, so the predators will literally stand around and wait as they emerge from the sand.

Baby sea turtles spend as long as the first five years of their life in beds of unattached seaweed, which gives them plenty of shelter as well as food. In fact, there are some species that spend most of their lives in these beds of seaweed that float in the middle of the ocean.

Baby sea turtles often feed on zooplankton and nekton before they begin to feed on sea grass. One thing that helps the turtles survive once they make their way out into the open waters is the hard shell and their instinctive ability to find beds of seaweed.

The Fascinating Journey of Baby Sea Turtles

The moment a baby sea turtle, known scientifically as a hatchling, breaks free from the confines of its eggshell buried beneath the warm sands of a moonlit beach, marks the beginning of one of nature’s most perilous yet awe-inspiring journeys. These tiny, yet tenacious creatures embark on a life-or-death race to the safety of the ocean’s embrace, guided by an ancient instinct as deep and vast as the seas they will call home. This journey is not just a spectacle of nature but a critical phase in the lifecycle of sea turtles, contributing significantly to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The resilience of these hatchlings, facing immense odds from the moment of their birth, speaks volumes about the wonders and challenges of marine life.

Hatchling Survival Strategies

Navigating to the Ocean

For a baby sea turtle, the trek from nest to sea is fraught with obstacles. Guided by an innate behavior known as “phototaxis,” these hatchlings use the natural light horizon, typically over the ocean, to find their way to the water. However, modern coastal development presents unprecedented challenges, with artificial lighting leading hatchlings astray, a phenomenon termed “light pollution.” Researchers, including those from the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, emphasize the importance of maintaining dark beaches during nesting season to support this crucial navigational phase.

Predator Evasion Tactics

From the moment they emerge from their nests, baby sea turtles are a target for a wide array of predators. Birds, crabs, and even raccoons view these hatchlings as an easy meal. The hatchlings’ strategy for survival is twofold: rapid movement and the cover of darkness. Most sea turtle species time their emergence for night when fewer predators are active. Despite their vulnerable size, hatchlings make a surprisingly swift dash to the sea, powered by an instinctual frenzy that maximizes their chance of survival.

Understanding Hatchling Development

The Role of Temperature

The development of sea turtle hatchlings is significantly influenced by the temperature of the sand surrounding their nests. This phenomenon, known as “temperature-dependent sex determination” (TSD), means that the future sex of the hatchlings is determined by the nest’s temperature. Warmer temperatures generally produce female turtles, while cooler conditions favor males. This delicate thermal balance underscores the potential impact of climate change on sea turtle populations, raising concerns among scientists about skewed sex ratios and the long-term viability of these species.

Adaptations for Marine Life

Upon reaching the ocean, baby sea turtles exhibit remarkable adaptations that facilitate their survival in marine environments. Their flippers, uniquely designed for swimming, allow them to navigate the vast and turbulent ocean waters. Additionally, an innate ability known as the “swim frenzy” kicks in, enabling them to cover great distances away from the shore, reducing the risk of nearshore predation. These initial hours in the ocean are critical, as the hatchlings work to reach the relative safety of the open sea or floating seaweed beds where they can find refuge and nourishment.

Hatchling Diet and Growth

Initial Feeding Habits

The diet of a baby sea turtle is crucial for its growth and development during the early stages of its life. Initially, hatchlings are sustained by the nutrients from their yolk sac, which they absorb into their bodies just before hatching. Once this source is depleted, they must fend for themselves, foraging for food in their oceanic environment. Their diet is varied and can include small invertebrates, jellyfish, and algae. These early feeding habits are essential for building the strength and resilience needed to survive the juvenile stage of their lifecycle.

Growth Milestones

The growth rate of sea turtle hatchlings is influenced by various factors, including species, habitat, and availability of food. In the initial years of their life, they grow rapidly, a crucial factor for reducing predation risks. As they mature, their growth rate slows. This period of rapid growth is vital for their survival, as it allows them to reach a size that reduces their vulnerability to predators and increases their chance of reaching adulthood. Scientists use growth rings in sea turtle bones, similar to tree rings, to study age and growth rates, providing valuable insights into their developmental stages and the health of marine ecosystems.

In conclusion, the journey of baby sea turtles from their sandy nests to the vast ocean is a remarkable saga of resilience, instinct, and survival. These early stages of life are fraught with challenges, yet they are crucial for the continuation of sea turtle populations. Understanding and protecting these vulnerable hatchlings is not just about conserving a single species but about preserving the health and diversity of our oceans.

FAQs on Baby Sea Turtles

What do baby sea turtles eat? Baby sea turtles start their life feeding on the remnants of their yolk sac, which provides them with the necessary nutrients for the first few days. As they venture into the ocean, their diet expands to include small invertebrates, jellyfish, sargassum algae, and sometimes plankton. This varied diet is crucial for their growth and energy as they navigate the vast marine environment.

How do baby sea turtles know where to go after hatching? Upon hatching, baby sea turtles are guided by an innate instinct known as phototaxis, which draws them towards the brighter horizon over the ocean. They are naturally inclined to move away from the dark silhouettes of the land and towards the light reflected by the sea. This instinct, coupled with the natural inclination to head towards the wave’s sounds, helps them find their way to the ocean.

How long does it take for a baby sea turtle to reach the ocean? The time it takes for a baby sea turtle to reach the ocean can vary widely depending on the distance of the nest from the shoreline and the obstacles they encounter along the way. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Their journey is hastened by their rapid, instinctual movement towards the water, a critical period where speed can significantly impact their survival chances against predators.

What are the main predators of baby sea turtles? Baby sea turtles face a gauntlet of predators from the moment they hatch. On land, they are vulnerable to birds, crabs, and mammals like raccoons and foxes. Once they reach the ocean, they must contend with aquatic predators such as fish and even some species of sharks. Their small size and relative lack of defense mechanisms make them an easy target for a variety of predators.

How do scientists study the growth and development of baby sea turtles? Scientists study the growth and development of baby sea turtles through a combination of field observation, tracking devices, and laboratory analysis. By examining growth rings in the bones of sea turtles, similar to tree rings, researchers can estimate the age and growth rate of individual turtles. Satellite and radio telemetry technologies are also used to track the movements and behaviors of sea turtles in their natural habitat, providing invaluable insights into their growth patterns, migration routes, and survival strategies.