Wildlife Diversity Program Quarterly Report for April–June 2025
Keeping Tabs on Sea Turtle Habitat
by Dr. Matthew Godfrey, Sea Turtle Biologist, and Sarah Finn, Coastal Wildlife Diversity Biologist
I n addition to conducting daily patrols to find and protect sea turtle nests that are laid on the ocean beaches on North Caro- lina, volunteers and cooperators with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Sea Turtle Project also track the status of the nesting habitat used by sea turtles in the summer months. This habitat assessment includes noting inappropriate sand fencing, logging visible artificial light at night, and documenting steep escarp- ments in the sand near the water line. When higher than 18 inches, these escarpments can block adult female turtles from ascending to the open beach above the high tide line where they normally lay their eggs. Beaches that have recently received sand through a nourishment project are more susceptible to escarpment formation during the re-equili- bration phase of the beach. When tall and persistent beach escarpments occur during the nesting season, the NCWRC Sea Turtle Project works closely with town, county and federal officials to mechanically knock down the escarpments, not only so turtles can access their nest- ing habitat, but also as a safety measure for beach visitors. The work is also conducted during the day, to minimize impacts to female sea turtles that are generally nocturnal nesters, and always in coordination with sea turtle volunteers and cooperators, so all known sea turtle eggs that are incubating on the beach can be avoided. Knocking down escarpments is also good for public safety, as steep erosion cliffs pose a falling hazard to beach visi- tors. As beach nourishment projects become more common in North Carolina, we anticipate an increase in time and effort spent to document and respond to escarpments in during the sea turtle nesting season.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SEA TURTLE PROJECT
Escarpments that formed in Spring 2025 on Wrightsville Beach following a nourishment project in 2024.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SEA TURTLE PROJECT
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