Turtle nesting season begins

May marks the beginning of nesting season for loggerhead turtles on Georgia’s coast. Four nests have already been discovered. The first nest of the season was found on Blackbeard Island. Shortly after, more nests were located on Jekyll and Cumberland Islands. Considered threatened under federal law, loggerheads continue to lay ping-pong ball-sized eggs. In late August the surviving hatchlings will take their first swim.

Trained professionals and volunteers have been combing beaches each night after dawn looking for nests that may be in danger. If one is located, it may be moved to another area or have protective fencing put in place. Officials are expecting more than 1,000 nests this year. This is a hopeful projection because of the small number of nests in 2007. This season, marine biologists will take DNA samples from eggs to track the mother’s preference of particular beaches, as well as how often they nest.