NMB Protected Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest #13

It's always exciting for the NMB STP Volunteers out walking looking for an Endangered Sea Turtle crawl or body pit.  Many days there may be nothing to report, but on the days a crawl or body pit is found it is a great day. Today will be protected nest #13.

A beautiful incoming and outgoing crawl, most of the incoming and outgoing crawls are close together.

The crawl will tell us much of what happened as she nested.  There is a spot where she attempted to nest but moved further up the beach to nest at the second spot.

 

The second spot is where she would nest.

Probing is done and yes, the egg chamber is found.

This nest is in an unsafe part of the beach, so it will be relocated to a safer part of the beach.

89 eggs are found.

The Dedicated NMB STP Volunteers are eager to share their knowledge with fellow volunteers and the many bystanders wanting to know about the endangered Sea Turtle species.

A metal cage is put together to help protect the eggs from anything sharing the beaches with all.

Poles are put around the cage, and ropes with a sign indicating this is an Endangered Sea Turtle Nest.

One egg will be used for DNA research, just the outer shell will be used as this has just the mothers DNA.

Great job NMB STP Volunteers for protecting Nest #13

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 Sea Turtle in NMB or Briarcliffe areas, please call the NMB STP Hotline.

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

anytime day or night