Kemp's ridley sea turtle nests increase on Texas coast

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and partners documented 697 Kemp's ridley sea turtle nests on the Texas coast during the 2026 nesting season.

This number represents a 55% increase from the 449 nests found in 2025. These sea turtles faced a risk of extinction due to habitat loss, fishing bycatch, and egg collection. To address these threats, the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Pesca launched a restoration action plan. This plan aims to save the species from extinction.