The number of loggerhead sea turtle nests found along the Georgia coast slipped this year to less than half of last year's total, but scientists are warning the public not to see it as an abrupt decline for the species.
Preliminary figures released this week by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources show show 688 loggerhead sea turtle nests were found this year, down from 1,400. Sea turtle researchers in other Southeast states report similar below-average counts.
DNR officials say, such counts are not unusual. This is the third-lowest number in the 18 years since daily monitoring began.
Wildlife officials say, they're more concerned with the long-term trend, which shows an annual decline of about 1.5%. The turtles, which can grow to over 300, face threats from commercial fishing, habitat loss and boat collisions.
There is bright spot in this year's numbers. The number of turtles that washed up dead on Georgia beaches declined by about 20 to 82, continuing a trend that appears related to a decrease in shrimp trawling.
Preliminary figures released this week by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources show show 688 loggerhead sea turtle nests were found this year, down from 1,400. Sea turtle researchers in other Southeast states report similar below-average counts.
DNR officials say, such counts are not unusual. This is the third-lowest number in the 18 years since daily monitoring began.
Wildlife officials say, they're more concerned with the long-term trend, which shows an annual decline of about 1.5%. The turtles, which can grow to over 300, face threats from commercial fishing, habitat loss and boat collisions.
There is bright spot in this year's numbers. The number of turtles that washed up dead on Georgia beaches declined by about 20 to 82, continuing a trend that appears related to a decrease in shrimp trawling.
