The occurrence of sea turtles on the south Texas coast

The results of a three-year survey of sea turtles on south Texas beaches indicates that they are stranded most frequently in April-May and November and most often on Mustang Island and the Northern half of Padre Island. The number of strandings has increased from 1976 to 1979. Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) are the most common sea turtle as indicated by the number of turtles washed ashore on beaches and by those seen around hard bottom features near-shore. The majority are subadults. Information on the strandings, occurrence and life history of four other species in south Texas coastal waters is detailed.