TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Over 100 green sea turtle hatchlings were seen heading to the sea on a Kenting beach Saturday during Taiwan’s annual sea turtle nesting season, which lasts from May to October.

According to Chen Hsin-hung (陳信宏), conservation director at Kenting National Park Headquarters, the number of green sea turtles in surrounding waters has increased gradually in recent years, and nesting activity has been observed at several locations along the coastline, per CNA.

Green sea turtles typically dig nests about 50 cm deep and lay around 100 eggs at a time. After incubating for about 50 days, hatchlings emerge from their shells and instinctively crawl toward the ocean.

Hatchlings imprint on the unique scent and characteristics of the beach where they are born, guiding them back to their birthplace to lay eggs as they mature, a behavior known as natal homing.

Since March, the park office and volunteers have patrolled local beaches to identify nesting sites based on crawl marks left by adult turtles. So far this year, an estimated four to eight female turtles have come ashore, and three nests have been confirmed to hatch.

Officials also noted growing local engagement in marine conservation, with increasing numbers of residents participating in hatchling-protection efforts. A comprehensive population survey has not been conducted due to the vast marine area, though officials plan to enhance monitoring in the future.

The peak nesting period typically occurs in July and August, with monitoring and conservation efforts carried out in coordination with the Ocean Conservation Administration and local volunteers.

The park reminds the public to report turtle sightings via the Coast Guard’s 118 hotline or the Kenting office at 08-886-1321. Visitors are encouraged to avoid disturbing the turtles and to follow the “five nos”: no touching, disturbing, feeding, chasing or harming the animals.

To reduce disruptions, the park advises maintaining distance and avoiding bright lights near beaches at night or early morning. Violations may result in penalties under Taiwan’s Act on Wildlife Conservation, including up to one year imprisonment or detention and fines of NT$60,000 (US$2,004) to NT$300,000.