A newly hatched sea turtle enters the surf with no experienced guide. Yet many turtles travel across ocean basins and later return toward the region where they began.
Light guides the first journey
On a natural beach, the open horizon over the sea is often brighter than the landward direction. Artificial lighting can disrupt this cue and draw hatchlings away from the water.
The planet provides a compass
Sea turtles can detect aspects of Earth’s magnetic field. This ability helps provide directional and positional information during migration.
Protection must follow the whole route
Nesting beaches are only one part of a turtle’s life. Fisheries, plastics, boat traffic, warming seas, and coastal development affect turtles across many countries and habitats.