Sea Turtle Season May Be Best
in Nine Years
As of the end of July, 96 loggerhead sea turtle nests have been recorded on Bald Head Island's East Beach—the highest since 1999.
"With several weeks left in the nesting season, we're keeping our fingers crossed that we'll break 100," commented Maureen DeWire, the Bald Head Island Conservancy's (BHIC) education director and senior naturalist.
According to BHIC's Sea Turtle Naturalist Devon Lang, a total of six of the nests had hatched as of July 31, as well. "This is our best turtle nesting season in nine years," said Devon.
Bald Head Island is a prime destination for nesting sea turtles on the North Carolina Coast. Since 1983 island residents, conservancy staff and interns have monitored the beaches for nesting sea turtles, protected nests, and assisted turtle hatchlings to the ocean after hatching.
"Although there is no way to know for sure if the BHIC sea turtle protection efforts over the last 25 years have generated significantly more sea turtles into the population, this season gives us great hope that we are making a difference," said Maureen.
This year for the first time, the conservancy hosted a Turtle Walk Vacation Package, which attracted many visitors to observe these amazing natural occurrences. In addition to the turtle walk, the package offered 10% off accommodations plus a Friend Membership to the not-for-profit organization, a $20 gift certificate toward participation in any BHIC program, and a $30 gift certificate to Turtle Central, the BHIC gift shop.
The success of this year's package has prompted the BHIC to offer the same opportunity next year. For additional information about the BHIC, visit www.BHIC.org, or call 910-457-0089.
