A total of 697 Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests were documented on the Texas coast during the 2026 nesting season, a 55% increase from the 449 nests found in 2025. I read the joint announcement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and partners, who said the count was compiled by trained staff and volunteers conducting beach patrols.
The Kemp’s ridley is the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, and Texas beaches are one of its primary nesting grounds. The 2026 total is the highest number recorded in the state since 2017, when 741 nests were counted. Wildlife officials noted that the consistent increase in recent years suggests conservation efforts, including nest protection and public education campaigns, are working.
For Texas homeowners living near the coast, the rise in nesting activity means a greater chance of encountering sea turtles on the beach during nesting season, which runs from April through August. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advises residents to keep a safe distance from turtles and never to touch nests or hatchlings. If you find a turtle or nest on private property, it’s best to contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rather than handling the animal yourself.
The primary source for this story is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service news release, which confirmed the 2026 nest totals for the Texas coast.
The notice is published by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service news at www.fws.gov.
