This period, however, when hatchlings dig themselves out of the sand and scamper across the beach into the surf is critical. Hatchlings use up a lot of energy in their frenzy to get to the ocean. Interference during this critical trip can sap the hatchlings' energy, leaving them less stamina to swim through the breakers to open water once they reach the sea. So you can see how important it is to protect nesting beaches for the adult turtles, for the nests, and for the hatchlings. Of course, hatching and dispersing to the sea are just the first of many obstacles facing young sea turtles.
Sea turtles face a whole new set of problems once they reach the water.
So turtles aren't home free once they make it to the ocean. The greatest threats to sea turtle recovery are really lurking for these reptiles in the ocean, and most of these risks are related to human activities. The total number of turtles stranded in 1999 was the highest ever recorded along the south Texas coast. These turtles are often entangled in nets or fishing gear. Sometimes they have hooks or steel leaders in their bodies or ropes tied around their flippers.