NMB Protected Loggerhead Nest # 2

 Wow, what a day.  A caller had called DNR, they had seen a Sea Turtle Nest and go back into the water.

Unfortunately, the group had thought they were helping out and dug a moat around the perimeter of the nest.  When the excited NMB STP arrived at this body pit, what they saw was devastating as locating the egg chamber will now be very hard.

Just want to send out a reminder to everyone, that all Sea Turtles are Endangered.  Heavy fines and even more for interfering with the protected Endangered Sea Turtles.  Shining lights on, touching or hindering in anyway is illegal.  So, if you see a nesting Sea Turtle, please stay way away from her.  Always keep a distance away and behind her.  Call the local Patrol or DNR immediately they will come and make sure she is protected and able to nest safely.

Any signs of the crawl coming in or going out was erased by the people that thought they were helping.  Very sad because of the time it took to locate the nest.  Sometimes we get more than one nest and time is of the essence.  If a nest has to be relocated, it is critical to relocate under the Guidelines and time frame to ensure the best outcome for the eggs.

After and exhausting search, the egg chamber was found.

the Egg Chamber

143 eggs were found in this nest, as this nest was laid in an unsafe part of the beach, the eggs will be relocated.

The nest is protected with a metal Screen, poles and rope and a sign indicating this is a Protected Sea Turtle Nest.

Great Job to all the NMB STP Volunteers out every morning so these nests can be protected.

All Sea Turtles are Endangered, they are federally, and state protected. Special training, guidelines and Permits are required to work with the Endangered Sea Turtle Species.

If you encounter a nesting or stranded Sea Turtle in NMB or Briarcliffe areas, please call the

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DY OR NIGHT