Cape Hatteras National Seashore Sets a New Sea Turtle Nesting Record

By Hatteras Realty on Jul. 23, 2019

Cape Hatteras National Seashore surpassed its previous nesting record of 325 nests, set in 2016, with more than a month still left in the season. As of July 22, the National Park Service had documented over 350 sea turtle nests on Cape Hatteras. The strong pace points to a banner nesting year and gives residents and visitors opportunities to watch nest excavations or, occasionally, hatchings known as boils.

Loggerheads account for most of the nests, along with a few green turtles and an occasional Kemp’s Ridley. The Outer Banks is home to 5 Types of OBX Sea Turtles.

Sea Turtle Hatchings on the Outer Banks

The season’s first nests began hatching in early July. Incubation generally lasts between 50-60 days, although nests laid earlier in the season often take longer. Temperature and weather are among the variables that can change the time required for a nest to hatch.

Sand temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings. Because Cape Hatteras National Seashore sits at the far northern edge of the usual sea turtle nesting range, its cooler sand tends to result in a greater male population. Warmer sand produces more females.

Nest excavation from July 2019 in Avon, NC.

Protecting Sea Turtle Nests

In most cases, nesting activity does not interfere with normal beach use. Beachgoers should pay attention to marked areas and honor the restricted zone around each nest, which becomes larger as incubation nears its end. Through these awareness efforts, the National Park Service has helped protect and encourage the sea turtle nesting cycle on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

This work is paramount to the recovery of endangered turtle species. It is estimated that only 1 in 1,000 sea turtles will reach maturity, which is about 30 years old.

Visitors can help by following beach regulations and considering how their activities influence turtles’ ability to nest and hatch successfully. During a vacation, visitors should:

• Take every item off the beach at the end of the day so nesting females are not confused or discouraged.
• Stay well away from nesting turtles and do not touch them.
• Report turtle sightings on the beach to: 252-216-6892
• Put out all fires completely using water.
• Turn off exterior lights near the oceanfront whenever they are not absolutely necessary.

Light Pollution and Turtle-Friendly Lighting

After emerging from the sand, hatchlings use light to navigate. Reflections from the moon and stars typically lead them toward the ocean. Flashlights, exterior property lighting, cell phones, and beach fires can create light pollution that disorients turtles and seriously threatens their ability to reach the water.

For this reason, many oceanfront and oceanview rental properties ask renters to leave outside lights off. Some property owners are also investigating turtle-friendly lighting options for their homes.

The Hatteras Island Ocean Center in Hatteras, NC recently received a grant to buy turtle-friendly exterior lighting for a pilot project. The center reached out to Hatteras Realty, which located an oceanfront home in Avon that could be seen from two sea turtle nests on the beach in front of the property. Hatteras Realty coordinated with the homeowner and the Ocean Center to install the specialized lighting.

The first nest produced 111 hatchlings; 106 were believed to have reached the water safely, and 3 additional live hatchlings were found during excavation. The second nest was expected to hatch later that summer. This project illustrates one way owners and guests can support the fragile nesting process.

Turtle-friendly bulb example, bulb installation, and a letter to guests in the home explaining the lighting and why exterior lights should remain off.

Watching a Sea Turtle Nest Excavation

A nest excavation usually occurs a few days after the nest boils. National Park Service personnel dig through the sand until they reach the nest, generally at a depth of around 18 inches. They then remove and count the hatched eggs to establish how many turtles emerged.

Excavations can also reveal unhatched eggs, living hatchlings that have not yet surfaced, deceased hatchlings, or undeveloped eggs. The findings help agencies track nesting activity along the coast with reasonable accuracy.

Boils are difficult to predict and frequently occur late at night. Nest excavations, however, offer families an engaging way to learn about sea turtle nesting. Anyone interested in observing an excavation can call the Sea Turtle Excavation Hotline via NPS at 252-475-9629 anytime between July and September.

Rental companies, owners, residents, and guests are all taking part in the Outer Banks nesting cycle. July, August, and September are wonderful months to visit the Outer Banks and possibly see sea turtle activity.

Hatteras Island Ocean Center and the Hatteras Realty teams.

About Hatteras Realty

Hatteras Realty manages approximately 480 homes and has over 30 years of experience hosting vacations on Cape Hatteras. Its homes range from cozy 2 bedroom condos to expansive 10 bedroom properties filled with amenities, providing a resource for many types of visitors.

Reservations are bookable 24/7 on www.Hatterasrealty.com, and vacation specialists are available 7 days a week during regular business hours. Hatteras Realty consistently participates in and supports community efforts year-round and is proud to contribute to sea turtle recovery efforts on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.