Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Nests Surge on Texas Coast in 2026

The National Park Service, together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partners, recorded 697 Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests along Texas beaches during the 2026 nesting season. That represents a 55% increase over the 449 nests documented in 2025. The rise suggests improving conditions for the endangered species, though officials stress continued protection of nesting habitats.