Sea turtles inhabit the seas and oceans in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the shores of Southwest Florida. The population of these ancient creatures is generally in decline, with some species being listed as vulnerable, threatened, endangered, or even critically endangered, which means they are at high risk of extinction.

Larger species of marine turtles have a lifespan of at least 80 years, but they take 20-30 years to mature and become reproductive. This is one of the reasons why the Sea Turtle Nesting Season is taken seriously in Southwest Florida.