The following is a report our Turtle Patrol received from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources:
Hope everyone is doing well. We wanted to provide you all with a mid-season summary of turtle activities. As of today, we have 4,867 nests documented on our beaches in South Carolina. Though we have not surpassed our all-time statewide record year of 5,198 nests in 2013, these are impressive nest counts and we very well could surpass our 2013 record before the season is over.
Cape Romain recently had a banner day with a total of 69 nests and 131 false crawls documented on the refuge. This is the most nests observed during a one day survey on record. Hilton Head was second runner up with a 13 nest day followed by Kiawah Island with a 12 nester. Many projects are reporting breaking their previous annual total nest count records. Congratulations to all!
Hatching season has officially begun with our first nest hatch reported on Edisto Beach State Park Saturday July 9th followed by Cape Island. The Edisto nest incubated approximately 63 days which is average but don’t be surprised for shorter incubation periods given the high temperatures we have experienced. Remember to remind everyone Lights Out! for sea turtles.
Many of you are also dealing with construction projects on the beaches or the effects of those completed earlier this year. Remember to document in your nest records (and annual report!) of false crawl incidences associated with construction work or disorientations with artificial lighting. All of this information is important for us in managing for the species and showing the effects human activity has on nesting and hatching.
Strandings are up this year with 140 animals reported as of today just slightly over our previous 20-year average of 138. We’ve had some odd strandings with both leatherbacks and loggerheads that appear to have been associated with the King Tides this year as these animals have been found wandering in the marshes.
You all are doing a tremendous job with conservation efforts and stranding response during this busy season. Your efforts greatly contribute to the recovery of these endangered and threatened species and we are extremely thankful for your work. Nest protection permit holders please look for your office liaison to be setting up site visits.
Submitted by Gary Fansler, Beautsie Zahrn and Judy Morr