Protected Loggerhead nest # 6

 This nest was found on a very stormy morning. Thankfully weather had tapered down long enough for NMB STP Volunteers to be able to walk this morning.  Two crawls were found this morning by the same couple walking this section of the beach.

 Time was of the essence, relief from the storms was predicted to be brief. The first crawl was quickly determined to be a false crawl, so all focus was put into this nest. The nest was marked in case the storms came in and we were not able to finish protecting this nest.  

153 eggs were in this nest.

During much of the incubation of this nest, many windy days had added layers of sand to the top of this nest, making this nest very deep. If you look closely at the layers of sand, you can see the different bands of built-up sand.

Many NMB STP Volunteers come to the inventory, they are all eager and excited to share their passion and knowledge with fellow volunteers and all curious bystanders that are interested in this endangered Sea Turtle species.  Volunteers and bystander leave with a great appreciation of just how protecting these nests really does help in the future of the Endangered Sea Turtle species.

Now for the results of the inventory

This nest incubated for 51-52 days.

85.6% hatch rate

153 eggs in this nest

131 hatched

22 whole eggs

1 dead hatchling

0 dead hatchlings

All Sea Turtles are Federally and State protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, Nest, Hatchlings and stranded Sea Turtles.

If you encounter a Sea turtle or Hatchling in NMB or Briarcliffe areas, please call the NMB STP Hotline

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT