loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest #16

 While we often talk about the commitment and dedication of the NMB, Briarcliffe, and No man's Land STP Patrol, we also are thankful for anyone calling in a sighting. Sometimes just a phone call from the public will make the difference in a nest being found and protected.  Very thankful for the person calling in a nesting Sea Turtle.

On this particular day the tides were high leaving very little beach. What was left of beach that had the crawl was quickly erased by footprints and the high tide.  Fortunately, someone had seen the endangered Sea Turtle nest, not knowing what to do they went to sleep after seeing this.  While out the next day they were telling the story, where other people told them to call the NMB STP Hotline.  

The sun was coming up, getting very hot. When the call came in the NMB STP responded very Quickly.  Sure enough an endangered Sea Turtle had nested on the top of the new dunes. As the dunes are still soft the typical way to find a potential egg chamber cannot be used.  Careful digging would be done, a long process as this nest can be up to two feet sometimes deeper.

This nest being at the top of the dunes will not make it if left in this location.  Careful relocation is done.  And the waiting game to see how this nest will do.

This nest incubated for 54 days.

The information about this incredible nest is given.

Once inventory is done the 1 Hatchling that was not able to make it out of the nest is released on the beach to start its journey as it makes its way from the beach to the Ocean.

The Inventory results

96.6% Hatch success rate

122 eggs were found in this nest. 1 use for DNA research 121 eggs relocated

121 eggs relocated in this nest

117 eggs hatched

4 whole eggs, all died early development

1 live hatchling

0 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, Nest, Hatchlings and stranded Sea Turtles.

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

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT