Sea turtle nesting underway along Southern Atlantic beaches

The giant turtles, a federally protected species that can grow to weigh up to 300 pounds, typically lay eggs through the end of August.

Because sea turtles don't lay eggs every year, nesting in the region often fluctuates in three-year cycles — two strong years followed by a decline, Dodd said.

With 216 beaches reporting nest numbers statewide, Florida doesn't keep a running tally, said Anne Meylan, statewide nesting program coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

During the sea turtle nesting season, federal and state wildlife agencies and a small army of volunteers comb beaches in the region each morning for freshly dug turtle nests filled with eggs.