Why do sea turtles return to the same beaches to lay eggs?

Sea turtles have an extraordinary ability known as natal homing, in which adults return to their birth region to nest. Scientists believe they use the Earth’s magnetic field as a kind of map, along with chemical and visual cues from the coastline. This behavior is well documented in loggerhead and green turtles. It helps turtles return to successful nesting areas, but it also makes them vulnerable if those beaches are developed or disturbed. Turtle conservation efforts often protect nesting beaches during the breeding season to improve hatchling survival.