NMB PROTECTED ENDANGERED LOGGERHEAD NEST # 11

 When we talk about the great times of walking the beaches and the beautiful sunrises we often encounter, this is not always the case.  With tropical Storm Chantal coming in strong, we were very lucky to have this nest to protect.  Thankfully a call came into the hotline in the evening, of a Sea Turtle nesting on the beach.

When the NMB STP Volunteers arrive, this Sea Turtle was just finishing up covering up her nest.  The winds were picking up and erasing the crawl as we stood there.  We took very quick measurements, 41 inches from Notch to the tip of her Carapace (shell). Putting poles and a rope around of the body pit as we may not have much that will be visible by morning.

  As morning approaches, the weather is very bad and still feeling the effects of the storm named Chantal.  The NMB STP Volunteers wait a little while for the weather and wind to calm down.  Anticipation as to what we would find.  Yes, the poles are still standing. 

As we had expected very little left of the body pit, to anyone walking the beaches in the morning would not have recognized this little bit as a body pit.  All of the incoming crawl and outgoing crawl were completely gone.  If the beachgoers would not have call the NMB STP Hotline, this nest would not have been found and protected. 

The egg Chamber is found.

This nest will be relocated to a safer part of the Beach with less traffic and lights.

134 eggs and 1 small spacer egg is found in this egg Cavity

1 Small spacer egg is found in this egg cavity.  This is smaller than a regular egg and is considered non- viable.  

This is a comparison next to a set of keys to show the size of the Spacer eggs.

One egg from every nest is used for DNA Research.  This will give answers to many of the unknowns.  The Sea Turtles whole life is at Sea once they enter the Oceans after hatching.  The only time they will come to shore is to nest or if they are sick and strand on land.  

This relocated nest is protected with a cage, poles and a sign indicating that this is a protected Endangered Sea Turtle Nest.

Protected Endangered Nest Number 11

All Sea Turtles are endangered, they 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 nesting or stranded Sea Turtle in NMB or Briarcliffe areas, please call

THE NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT