Inventory of protected endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #3

 This is how this endangered Sea Turtle nest started.  The dedicated NMB STP have located this nest, they have put a cage, poles and rope around it to help protect it. They have spent all summer protecting and checking this nest to make sure nothing happens to it.  This nest was in a great location so was left In Situ (left natural, left where it was laid) The egg count will be a surprise until the inventory is completed.  This nest incubated for 57 days.

This In-Situ Nest had accumulated a great deal of sand inside of the cage area. The sand will have to be taken down to the original depth to be able to get the cage off and to the level of the nest. Only around the outside of the cage will be dug out with a shovel. Then carefully layer by layer the sand will be hand dug in case any baby Hatchlings are digging their way to the top. An of course moral support is always needed.

As the nest is taken down, this cage, poles, rope and signs will be put away and stored until the next season.  Flags will be put around to give direction for all that come, mainly protecting the fragile Dune system.

Many NMB STP Volunteers have come to help; they will talk with and share their knowledge and passion about the endangered Sea Turtle Species with fellow volunteers and any beachgoers who have come.

We are ready to start the inventory, many anxious NMB STP Volunteers and beachgoers are excited to see what the results are.  A recap of the history of this nest will be given before the inventory is conducted.

Now for the result about this nest is given. All of the hatchlings have made it out on their own.  All will be welcome to look at the hatched eggshells and the whole unviable eggs.

And now the moment we have all been waiting for, the results of this nest #3.

95 % Hatch success rate

   160 eggs in this nest

 152 Hatched shells

1 dead Hatchling

All Sea Turtles are endangered; they are federally and state protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, Hatchlings and stranded Sea Turtles.

If you encounter a Nesting Sea Turtleford Hatchling in the NMB or Briarcliffe areas, please call immediately.

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074