Ocean Cay, a small island off the coast of Florida, welcomed its first loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings on May 15. The six baby turtles are now being cared for by the staff at the resort and guests who have been coming to visit them.
Laniakea Beach is the first beach in the United States to welcome loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings.
Since August, MSC Cruises’ own island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, has been home to a number of Loggerhead sea turtle eggs.
Hundreds of small hatchlings have started making their way to the sea from those nests, according to MSC, marking the completion of the cruise line’s successful effort to restore the island and its surrounding waters to its previous position as a flourishing habitat for plants and animals.
Over six nests have been discovered on the island so far, and they are being watched.
(MSC Cruises provided this image.)
“We are all extremely delighted to see Loggerhead turtles arrive to Ocean Cay’s beaches to lay eggs so soon,” said Linden Coppell, MSC Cruises’ Sustainability Director. With a freshly restored environment, this may take several years, and we weren’t sure if or when they would arrive. We expect to see a lot more hatchlings in future nesting seasons, and that these newcomers will return to Ocean Cay when the time comes to lay their eggs.”
Once signs of nesting was discovered, all nesting locations were identified and personnel started monitoring them to guarantee their survival. The island-wide Biodiversity Management Plan has procedures in place to promote turtles and ensure their preservation, particularly during egg-laying season.
READ MORE: 15 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Visitor Tips
Coral restoration is a top priority on Ocean Cay since it is an important component of the marine environment that must be preserved because it ensures biodiversity and protects coasts. Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead sea turtles have grown common in the seas around the island, with regular sightings in the ocean.
Ocean Cay, MSC Meraviglia
Ocean Cay has gradually evolved into a beautiful paradise with a rich marine environment since it debuted in late 2019. The fact that Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been seen making their way to the sea from their island nests is proof of the island’s development, which was formerly an industrial sand extraction site.
A freshwater marsh was recognized as an essential element that supports the bird population throughout the island’s rehabilitation. It was protected, and as a consequence, a variety of bird species, including nesting pairs and a resident burrowing owl, have been seen on the island.
MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which offers activities that enable passengers to interact with nature. Visitors will be able to learn about ocean conservation and the significance of conserving coral reefs via specialized edutainment programs, which are now in the works.
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The oldest sea turtle is a loggerhead sea turtle that was found on Ocean Cay in the Florida Keys.
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