Sea Turtle Nesting Reaches Record High: Fast Facts on How to Help Save This Endangered Species

Good news! The number of loggerhead sea turtles nesting has reached record high just midway through the nesting season.

According to The Washington Post, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has reported around 4,900 nests. Hilton Head Island recorded 344 nests, while Fripp Island and Harbor Island also observed record numbers.

In Florida, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has already seen 2,638 nests at the moment--163 nests higher than the previous year.

"We are excited to announce that we have broken the 35-year annual record for sea turtle nests along our area's beaches with a total of 2,638 confirmed nests so far and we are only halfway through the nesting season," said Kristen Mazzarella, senior biologist at Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program.

The information provided would prove useful in estimating sea turtle populations and producing long-term data as it takes 30 years for turtle hatchlings to grow and nest on their own.

Dos and Don'ts in Turtle Nesting Season

The Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program has noted some useful tips for people who encounter turtles nesting on the beach. Here are some tips on what to do during nesting season:

Remain quiet and keep your distance from a nesting turtle or hatchlings.
Turn off outdoor beach lights from May to October and do not shine light on turtles.
Remove furniture from the beach.
Fill in holes in the sand to avoid hatchlings getting trapped.
Do not pick up hatchlings that are heading to the water.
Avoid using fireworks.

What You Can Do to Save Turtles

EcoWatch notes that sea turtles are in danger due to external threats from their environment, such as water pollution and coastal development. Recent cases of egg poaching have also threatened their population.

A previous report involved a man caught red-handed last week, as he stole 107 eggs from a loggerhead turtle on Jupiter Island in Florida.

In order to help in sea turtle conservation, Defenders of Wildlife advises people to reduce their trash and clean up the beaches. Sea turtles can easily get tangled in garbage and may even mistake them for food.

The organization also notes that reducing the use of chemicals can help in saving sea turtles. The chemicals we use every day can wash up to the oceans, which may prove fatal for marine life.

You can also volunteer in numerous organizations that aim to protect endangered animals or take your own initiative in conducting clean-ups among your peers.