An estimated 387,000 turtle hatchlings made it to the ocean this year from South Carolina beaches, state wildlife officials said this week.
Despite predation and climate-related setbacks, South Carolina’s 2023 nesting season ended this week with an above average number of sea turtle nests, reported the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The agency counted a total of 6,628 nests this year, lower than last year’s total but about 1,000 above 2020 and 2021. While there were several green and Kemp’s Ridley nests, nearly all were loggerhead sea turtles.
As in previous years, the greatest proportion of sea turtle nests were located in Cape Island and Lighthouse Island, both of which are in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in Charleston County and are unimpeded by industrial activity.
South Carolina’s above average 2023 nesting season follows a similarly rising trend among other states along the Southeastern coastline. The promising numbers, however, still aren’t enough to take the loggerhead into the category of ‘recovered,’ the DNR noted in its press release.
Lost nests, danger to hatchlings
High tides and Tropical Storm Idalia accounted for more than half of lost nests, according to SCDNR. During Idalia alone, about 600 nests were destroyed — and on Edisto Island and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in particular. Another culprit: Animal predation from coyotes, raccoons and armadillos.
Long-time adaptations help sea turtle populations withstand potential nest losses, but coupled with rising tides and subsequent coastal erosion, threats like predation can become serious concerns, said SCDNR biologist Michelle Pate.
And nest numbers still are only part of this equation — hatchlings have got to make it long enough to get to the water, too, complicated by already low rates of survival.
The state agency reported a greater number of false crawls throughout the season, which occur when a turtle cannot find a suitable place onshore to make its nest and swims back to the ocean, eggs still in tow. False crawls might occur, according to Never Endanger Sea Turtles, because of debris, water-related infrastructure, light pollution, or insufficient quality of sand. The Sea Turtle Conservancy reported that after several false crawls, a female sea turtle may resort to nesting in a location with a lower chance of hatchling survival.
SCDNR shared some tips about protecting sea turtles, even after the end of nesting season:
- Pay attention to signs of turtles and other animals while operating boats, especially in narrow tidal creeks.
- Report any stranded or Dead Sea turtles to SCDUR 24-hour hotline, 1-800-922-5431..
- Check off a donation to the Endangered Wildlife Fund when you’re doing state taxes.
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