From the Coordinators:
This has been an unusual nesting season here on Edisto Beach. We have had many “false” crawls this year. False crawls are attempts by a turtle to nest, then for some reason the female turtle turns around and heads back into the ocean. Sometimes it is obvious that sandcastles have stopped the nesting turtle. In one instance the turtle circled behind someone’s large sand construction, then headed back into the ocean, where she may have dumped her eggs. Our hope is that she came up into another more friendly section of the beach to nest. In other instances, turtles seem to meander over the sand looking for a suitable place only to go back into the ocean. Perhaps they simply have not adjusted to the renourished sand or something else just doesn’t “feel right” to them.
We also have a large number of “True/False” crawls. For those of you unfamiliar with our terminology, a True/False looks like a nest, has evidence of a body pit, but our volunteers simply cannot locate the nest. We stake these with our markers and watch carefully for signs of emergence.
Our number of nests is down considerably compared to last year. It was hoped that we would have 50 to 70 nests, but it is unlikely that we will reach those numbers. As of August 5th we have 42 nests. Meanwhile, nearby beaches seem to be having a good number of nests. Perhaps our “ladies” are choosing those areas this year.
Our new beach is being enjoyed by a great number of visitors. An afternoon stroll down the beach shows many people out there enjoying the sun, sand, and water. The town ordinance to take down tents between sunset and sunrise, and carry their chairs off the beach is being obeyed by most. For those who do not, a red tag warning is being placed on these tents.
On the happy side our turtles are hatching and making their way to the ocean. Since our nests are fewer and, if we are going to see our numbers of sea turtles increase, each little hatchling is very important. Remember that it is estimated that only one hatchling in a thousand will reach maturity!
Our volunteers also coordinate turtle activities with the Edisto Serpentarium. We try to conduct nest inventories whenever possible with groups from the Serpentarium. Sometimes, if we are lucky, there are still live baby turtles just waiting to come out!
If you decide to come to the beach, we welcome you but please be a good environmentalist and follow a few simple rules:
1. Turn out lights visible on the beach at dusk. If using a flashlight, mask it with red cellophane.
2. Take down tents at the end of the day and remove chairs and beach toys from the beach.
3. Fill in holes you have dug and demolish castles.
4. If your family pet comes with you on vacation, keep it on a leash and PLEASE clean up after it!
Pick up trash left on the beach.
Merelyn Devers - Coordinator
Duane Stauter - Coordinator
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