Sea turtle nests are more than never.
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Biologists from the marine turtle conservation site at S.C. Department of Natural Resources have counted more than 5.200 sea turtle nests on Friday by setting a new record.
The first record was set in 2013 when 5.198 nests were counted. It is great that this is the third year in a row when more than 5,000 have been recorded, while the largest number of nests laid in one day was established in Cape Romain where 69 nests were counted. The second position is occupied by Hilton Head Island with 13 nests.
According to Michelle Pate, Department of Natural Resources S.C., record numbers were established in various areas this year.
Wildlife biologists are quite optimistic thanks to the fact that over the last few years, sea turtles have shown important signs of population recovery.
Scientists established that sea turtles are divided into seven species, and every single one of them is either threatened or on the verge of extinction. Every species was listed under the Endangered Species Act in the 1970s and since then, scientists did their best to preserve and increase their numbers.
Georgia has reached a record number of nests as well after biologists have counted 2.890 and the number is expected to increase in the future. These mysterious water creatures spend most of their life in water, and their remaining number is still unknown as they crawl out of the water only during the nesting season.
Loggerhead turtles laid many nests in Florida, where their population was in severe in decline a few years ago. Loggerheads are very large as well as the leatherback turtles. A curious fact is that wildlife biologists were unable to establish the species of 14 nests.
Besides the one previously mentioned, Kemp’s Ridley and green sea turtles can also be found on these beaches. However, many turtles are found dead, sick, and stranded as more than 140 cases have been reported until now.
According to Pate, loggerheads and leatherbacks have been found stranded or wandering, but they later received help at the S.C. Aquarium. So far the facility has taken a leatherback, seven green sea turtles, seven Kemp’s Ridley, and 20 loggerheads only from South Carolina.
According to Kelly Thorvalson, the manager of the aquarium, this number is concerning because it makes up of all strandings recorded throughout last year. Sea turtle species brought to this facility have severe problems from shark attacks, dredging injuries, boat strikes, and fish hooks.
Image Source:Tico Times
John Birks
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