Washback Program

the program

Saving the Next Generation

Hatchlings that successfully reach the ocean from their nest immediately begin an extraordinary journey. Instinctively, those born along Florida’s east coast swim offshore toward the Gulf Stream, using the energy and nutrients stored in their internal yolk sac to sustain them during this long and demanding migration.

Once they reach suitable habitat, often floating mats of Sargassum seaweed, they begin what is known as their “lost years.” The Sargassum provides both camouflage and shelter, along with food sources such as small crustaceans and other marine life. Hatchlings rest among the seaweed, sometimes even using it like a floating raft as they drift with the ocean currents.

The Gulf Stream frequently converges with smaller currents, collecting both natural flotsam and human-made debris such as plastics and trash. These young sea turtles cannot distinguish between natural prey and floating plastic, often ingesting harmful debris while foraging.

As they grow, hatchlings develop into a life stage known as post-hatchlings while continuing to drift within the Gulf Stream system. During strong offshore winds and seasonal storms, particularly in the fall and winter months, these small turtles can be blown back toward shore. Rough nearshore seas push floating material — including post-hatchlings — onto local beaches. When this occurs, they are known as “washbacks.”

Washbacks must be rehabilitated and, once healthy and weather conditions allow, transported offshore and released back into the Gulf Stream. Many arrive at our hospital in critical condition, often weak, dehydrated, injured, and burdened with ingested plastic. Unfortunately, not all washbacks survive. Every washback that has perished in our care has contained plastic debris in the stomach or intestines. It is widely believed that most young sea turtles ingest some amount of plastic while drifting in ocean currents.