As one example, Hurricane Erin recently developed well off the coast of North Carolina. Fortunately, it didn’t make landfall and inflicted no major damage to infrastructure. Its presence was detrimental to the local nesting loggerhead turtle population on Topsail Island. Over 54% of the 43 nests that were monitored were depredated. When the storm arrived, a monstrous monster—twice the size of an average hurricane—the fears became very real. Conservationists have expressed alarm over the fate of the vulnerable sea turtles.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting sea turtle nests along Topsail Island. This nonprofit has contributed to the recovery of loggerhead sea turtles—a species that was once nearly lost to bycatch from fishing. Every two to three years, from May to August, these turtles begin their nesting season. With each nesting, which occurs every 4–5 years, they produce about 100 eggs per nest. Sadly, Hurricane Erin’s effects on these nests leave us wondering if this fragile species will make it.
Impact on Loggerhead Nests
In fact, with the exception of Hurricane Erin’s extraordinarily destructive winds, the storm’s trajectory saved most of the coastal infrastructure from being hit. Unfortunately, Topsail Island suffered the most of the storm’s impacts on the turtle nests. Losing more than half of the nests is a very sobering fact for anyone committed to protecting this species.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has adopted very strict protocols in the handling of the nests she surveys. Yet state regulations only allow for intervention after a nest has hatched. In addition, these laws authorize action when rising tides are set to drown the eggs. All of these measures help to ensure that the sea turtle hatching process is as natural as it can be. They demonstrate North Carolina’s deep dedication to conservation.
Of the nests she monitored, one loggerhead nest miraculously weathered Hurricane Erin intact. This nest miraculously continued to hatch successfully throughout the storm, a testament to the hardiness of these turtles. One other nest probably made it due to its location high up on the dunes. It just goes to reinforce that location is truly the key to life in this land of unpredictable weather disasters.
Conservation Efforts Amidst Adversity
The loggerhead sea turtle population has a lot more to worry about than hurricanes. In fact, fishing bycatch is one of their biggest threats and continues to cause further decline of these turtles in U.S. waters. Conservationists work day and night to stealthily guard breeding grounds and rookeries. We have the case of Hurricane Erin to remind us of just how tenuous these habitats are.
More than half of their nests were destroyed due to the impact of the hurricane. Turtle specialists insist this degree of killing will not have a permanent, discernible effect on the overall loggerhead sea turtle population in the long run. Conservation efforts continue to focus on educating the public about the importance of protecting these creatures and their nesting grounds.
Through it all, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center remains focused on their mission. Third, it positively highlights the need for continued research and monitoring. Through it all, they work tirelessly to make sure that every measure is taken to protect these vulnerable animals while allowing for the natural process to occur.
The Future of Loggerhead Turtles
Loggerhead sea turtles are threatened by injuries inflicted by both natural occurrences and anthropogenic factors. Consequently, these organizations and volunteer stewards focus their conservation efforts where they can make the most impact. The loss of nests in Hurricane Erin serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and wildlife conservation efforts.
Since these guys only nest every two to three years, every nesting season matters as they try to keep their populations stable! The center has consistently and rigorously adhered to guidelines. This commitment to the turtles not only protects them but allows them to flourish and reproduce in their natural environments.