Relocating SC Loggerhead Turtle Nest

Litchfield By The Sea Walkers for South Carolina Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE) were at their fourth nest Thursday, June 11, 2009, on a busy part of the beach.   The Loggerhead sea turtle's 91 eggs are carefully relocated in the dunes higher up. Eggs are returned to the new nest location in the same top-to-bottom orientation, so the developing embryo is not disturbed.  Sand surrounding the original nest is put back as the mother turtle's mucus has antibiotic properties which protect the hatchlings.


Volunteers, led by veteran Lynn Geuder, LOA, are in training  at Litchfield by the Sea, Pawleys Island, SC. They include Kay Mackall, Goffinet McLaren and Pat Millings. All wear shirts reading SCUTE---South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts.  During the nesting season, May, June and July, they pick up litter and trash along the beach, and encourage beach goers to fill in holes---a possible trap for egg-laden, 350-pound Loggerhead turtles.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Low Country
• Grand Strand
• Georgetown County
• SC. Pawleys Island
• SC
• Myrtle Beach

[AdamImperiale]

were u guys in florida? because im reading a story the the 6th grade,the view from saturday,and ur on turtle patrol...right?

[CoastalDigital]

We are among the volunteers from South Carolina who get up at 6 a.m. Thursday mornings and walk up and down the beaches, looking for turtle tracks during our summer. It is wonderful to see the Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings go out to sea.  We usually have a big crowd on the beach. While we are turtle watching, we also pick up trash on the beach and try to encourage kids not to dig big holes and discourage others from leaving stuff on the beach at night, such as chairs and umbrellas.

[CoastalDigital]

Thanks. I'll pass along your comments.

[CoastalDigital]

Good question. This is my first season, so I'm probably not as qualified as others to answer it. However, I was there and took the video. The eggs are about 16 inches below the surface. They're mainly looking for the surface entrance to the next. The pool cure process in carefully done in a pattern. Thanks, Lloyd Mackall

[CoastalDigital]

This video should be dedicated to South Carolina Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE) seasoned volunteers like Mary Schneider, SCUTE Founder Jeff McClary, Lynn Gueder and others who get up and walk along coastal South Carolina. Most start at 6 a.m. and pick up trash along the way, as they look for Loggerhead sea turtle tracks and nests.  Also, they educate the public about filling in holes.

[41015747]

@AdamImperiale i read the book too

[AdamImperiale]

cool

[jephenese]

It is a procedure that was discontinued here several years ago. It was determined to be dangerous to the eggs. We now gently dig down where we think the eggs might be. The probing activity scares me.

[jephenese]

What is the reasoning behind shoving pool cues into the sand and jeopardizing the eggs in the nests??