Females only migrate every 2- 4 or more years. Copulation occurs in shallow waters near nesting beaches. Nesting activity has not been recorded on Midway Atoll. Nesting at FFS occurs from late April through September with a peak in June-July. Hatchlings emerge en-masse, usually at night, from a sandy 2 ft deep nest after about 60 days.
Hatchlings move down the beach and into the ocean.
Sexually mature between 10-60 years of age, with average at 25 years. Mortality Tiger sharks are primary predator. Entanglement in marine debris and nets, as well as ingestion of plastics a serious problem. As they mature, sea turtles will not use areas where they have been disturbed as nesting beaches. Rules at Midway require all to stay at least 100' away from any basking sea turtle.