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Super El Niño Fuels First West Coast Olive Ridley Nesting

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 2:46 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Olive Ridley Nesting

NOAA Fisheries West Coast reported an olive ridley turtle nesting near Seal Beach, California, September 16, 2026.
The nesting is the first recorded natural sea-turtle nesting on the U.S. West Coast.
Three days later a turtle was observed near Huntington Beach Pier, a few miles south.
NOAA said it is unclear whether the two sightings involved the same individual turtle.

Summary

Story summary

Scientists attribute the unprecedented turtle nesting to a “super” El Niño warming Pacific waters, driving turtles farther north.
NOAA Fisheries spokesperson Justin Viezbicke said nests contain about 50-100 eggs.
The Endangered Species Act protects turtles; disturbing nests can lead to fines or jail.
Huntington Beach installed permanent perimeter signs and thanked local, state, and federal agencies for rapid protection.

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Olive Ridley Nesting

NOAA Fisheries West Coast reported an olive ridley turtle nesting near Seal Beach, California, September 16, 2026.
The nesting is the first recorded natural sea-turtle nesting on the U.S. West Coast.
Three days later a turtle was observed near Huntington Beach Pier, a few miles south.
NOAA said it is unclear whether the two sightings involved the same individual turtle.

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