Welcome to
Turtle Season 2014!
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta
caretta) nest on South Carolina beaches May through October. S.C.U.T.E. which
stands for South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts is one of 30 volunteer sea
turtle protection projects along our coastline under the direction of the South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The 60 mile S.C.U.T.E. area
extends from North Inlet in Georgetown County to North Myrtle Beach. The six
miles of DeBordieu and Hobcaw beaches typically account for 30-50% of the nests
in this area.
The 2013 nesting season was a record
with 5198 nests (4628 in 2012) laid along the South Carolina coast! The
S.C.U.T.E. area recorded 239 nests (205 in 2012). Here at DeBordieu &
Hobcaw there were 108 nests in 2013 (73 in 2012). One possible explanation for
the surge is that SCDNR's volunteer nest protection program is about 25 years
old. Sea turtles mature at 25-30 years. The theory is that the first female
recruits from the volunteer effort are now returning as first time adult
nesters. We will see if this trend continues into the next few years!
A REMINDER ABOUT HOLES/SANDCASTLES
ON THE BEACH: Please dig holes and build sandcastles below the high tide line.
The ocean will naturally fill them in. These obstacles can be a hazard to
nesting & hatching sea turtles and to people walking on the beach at night.
Also, please remember to turn off oceanfront lighting by 10 p.m. during the
nesting season. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
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