Inventory Results on Endangered Sea Turtle nest #2

 Once the protected nest emerges, there will be an inventory.  This will be done a specified number of days after the emergence (majority of the hatchlings made it out of the nest and in the Ocean.)

The results will be documented and entered into a national data base to be used to help in the future of the endangered Sea Turtle species.

 Anxious and excited STP Volunteers getting ready to see how this protected endangered Sea Turtle nest has done.  Volunteers from NMB, Briarcliffe and No man's land are out walking 7 days a week from May until August sometimes longer. They walk through the good and bad. Some days are beautiful with a spectacular sunrises and very pleasant people on the beaches interested in learning more about the endangered Sea Turtles.  And somedays are wind and rain, the beaches are always walked unless lightning or unsafe weather is present. But they are always cheery and excited no matter what the weather as they all know how important protecting the endangered Sea Turtle nest is in helping to save the endangered Sea Turtle species.

The specifics of the nest and what we are doing is given so all know what is happening. This is done within the guidelines and permits required to work with the endangered Sea Turtle Species.

If anything of interest is found in the nest, it will be shared so all can see. This egg was not viable so everyone will get to see this ping pong sized egg.

Sometimes a hatchling or two may be found that was not able to make it out of the nest on its own. 4 live hatchlings were found in this nest.  All were released on the beach as they can make their entry from the beach to the ocean to begin their journey of life.  All are kept a safe distance away as they watch the hatchlings make their way from the beach to the Ocean.

After the Hatchling have made it from the beach to the Ocean safely, all are welcome to see the results of the Nest. Many are amazed how deep the mother Sea Turtle digs her nest and the opening small, around 6 inches give or take. but the bottom of the nest is much wider, like an inverted light bulb.

THE RESULTS OF THIS PROTECTED LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE NESR ARE:

126 eggs in this nest

97.5% hatch rate of relocated eggs, 96% hatch success rate of total eggs.

121 hatched eggs

3 unhatched

4 live hatchlings (released on the beach)

1 dead Hatchling

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

If you are in NMB or Briarcliffe areas and encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle, Hatchling or stranding please call:

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT