The Sea Turtle Monitors Job After Nest Hatching

Attachments

Sea Turtle Activity Update August 2.pdf

According to the Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan, Loggerhead sea turtles are monitored daily by Sea Turtle Monitors. As the nests approach their expected hatch date (approximately 60 days), they are observed for signs of hatching, such as obvious depression in the sand or hatchling tracks around the nest. Each nest is excavated approximately 72 hours (three days) following signs of the first emergence to take an inventory of the nest and to release any “stragglers” that may still be in the egg cavity or chamber.

Upon excavation, all contents of the egg cavity (nest) are removed by hand. The depth and width of the egg cavity are measured and recorded on the CCPRD Sea Turtle Nesting Forms. 

Empty egg shells account for live hatchlings that escaped from the nest and/or dead turtles, found within the nest. Unhatched eggs are opened and inspected to determine the stage of embryonic development at the time of death. If live hatchlings are found in the nest, they are either released immediately or transferred to a bucket of moist sand for night release, depending on the time of the day and the presence or absence of predatory birds in the area. Hatchling releases are conducted according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook (Rule 68E-1.004, 2016).