Sea turtle nesting season underway on North Carolina coast

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. (WECT) - Sea turtle nesting season is officially underway on the North Carolina coast, and beachgoers play an important role in protection efforts.

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a time when increased tourism and beach activity can cause disruptions.

“Beaches used for nesting are lost to beachfront development or are disturbed by beach maintenance and recreation,” NCWRC said.

NCWRC recommends these tips to help protect sea turtles during nesting season:

• Minimize beachfront lighting by turning off, shielding or redirecting lights away from the beach
• Close blinds and drapes in oceanfront rooms at night to keep indoor lighting from reaching the beach
• Remove recreational equipment from
• the beach at night
• Do not build beach campfires during the nesting season
• Use your natural vision and moonlight when walking on the beach at night
• If you encounter a turtle on the beach at night, remain quiet, still and keep your distance
• Avoid flash photography and human disturbances
• Leave tracks left by turtles undisturbed

Local rescue groups will monitor beaches across the coast throughout the season. If you see signs of nesting activity or an injured sea turtle, contact one of the following groups:

• Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project
• Ocean Isle Sea Turtle Protection
• Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program
• Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project
• The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Click here for more information on sea turtle nesting and protection efforts.