Hatchlings that escape from the sand at night have a habit of heading towards the brighter side. On natural beaches without artificial lights, the seaside is usually brighter than the mountain side, so the hatchlings can return to the sea without hesitation. However, hatchlings that have escaped from Omura Beach (the closest beach to the city) are more attracted to the city lights than the ocean, so they head towards the city instead. This is known as “light pollution”. In order to avoid “light pollution”, all eggs laid on Omura Beach and at the spawning grounds at the Marine Center are protected and hatched in our hatchery after their sexes are determined.
Hatchery in the center facility
⇒What happens when the baby turtles are born at the hatchery？
1.After checking the number of hatchlings, baby turtles are released at Miyanohama Beach or Kopepe Beach on the same night they escape from their nests. The following morning, we dig up the nests and then conduct a post-hatching survey.
⇒ Learn more about our hatchling events “Nighttime Hatchling Turtle Release Party” and “Baby Turtle de Night!”
2.Approximately 150 to 200 of the young turtles born at the hatchery are raised in tanks at the Marine Center.
⇒Learn more about our Headstarting program
3.After a certain period of time, when they have grown to a certain size, the turtles are marked and released.