Inventory on endangered Loggerhead # 7

 Nest # 7 has another great hatch success rate.

This Nest incubated for 56 Days before a major emergence.  After a specified number of days an inventory is done.  This is done under very stick guidelines and permits as all Sea Turtles are endangered and federally and state protected.

This Sea Turtle was protected by the NMB STP Volunteers while she was nesting. All is kept quiet and dark.  After nesting and on her way back to the Ocean, the overall condition is looked at, making sure there is no fishing line, or nets that may be attached to her in any way.  All looks good, a measurement of her Carapace is taken it is 40 Inches from notch to tip.  The nest was protected for the night until daylight where it was relocated to a safer part of the beach.

During the inventory 5 live hatchling were found in this nest, unable to make their way out of the nest.  They will be put in a bucket with sand until the inventory is completed and released on the beach to make its way into the Ocean.

An empty eggshell is taken around for all to see. 

Inventory results and the importance of protecting the endangered Sea Turtle nest is shared with all

The Five Hatchlings found deep in the nest unable to make it out of the nest are released to start their long journey of life.  

All are welcome to look at the amazing process of the Sea Turtles. They are able to look at the eggshells once the hatchlings have emerged from them, any whole eggs and the whole where the eggs incubated.

The great results of Nest #7

97.6% Hatch rate of relocated eggs

130 eggs/129relocated

127 hatched eggs

2 whole eggs

    1 died in early development

    1 died in early development

5 live hatchlings

5 dead hatchlings

    

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, Hatchling and stranded Sea Turtles.

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

NMB Sea Turtle Hotline

843-213-9074

Any time Day or Night