Protecting Loggerhead Turtles From South Carolina's Pollution

The loggerhead sea turtle is the official state reptile of South Carolina and is the most commonly observed sea turtle off the state's coast. Loggerhead sea turtles have been classified as threatened since 1978 and are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. However, their population is declining due to human development and pollution, with the number of nests deposited on South Carolina beaches decreasing significantly in recent decades. To address this issue, efforts are being made to raise awareness about the impact of pollution and artificial lighting on loggerhead turtles and implement management practices to protect them.

Reduce light pollution during nesting season

Loggerhead sea turtles are a protected species in South Carolina, where they are the state reptile. They are listed as "threatened" in the United States and "endangered" internationally. The loggerhead nesting population in the southeastern United States is continuing to decline, and it has been recommended that the species be reclassified as "endangered".

Loggerhead sea turtles are sensitive to light pollution during their nesting season, which runs from May through October. During this time, female loggerheads come ashore to lay their eggs, and hatchlings emerge from their nests at night to head to the ocean. Artificial light can disorient the turtles, leading them away from the ocean and towards artificial light sources. This makes them more vulnerable to predators and dehydration, and exhausts the limited energy they need to swim offshore.

To reduce light pollution during the nesting season, residents and visitors are asked to keep seaward-facing lighting turned off from May 15 to October 31 between 9 pm and 8 am. If people need to use a light on the beach, they are asked to cover it with a red lens, as this significantly decreases the survival outlook for the hatchlings.

In addition to reducing light pollution, there are other ways to protect loggerhead sea turtles during the nesting season. It is important to keep a distance from nesting turtles and hatchlings, and to notify the Turtle Patrol if you see any. Filling in holes and removing equipment, trash, food, and pet waste from the beach helps to clear a path for the turtles and prevent entanglement.

Do not disturb turtle nests

The loggerhead sea turtle is the state reptile of South Carolina and has been classified as threatened since 1978. It is protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. To ensure this species is around for generations to come, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Do not disturb turtle nests. Keep your distance and avoid shining lights or taking flash photos of nesting turtles.
• People and pets are not permitted to walk on the sand dunes or remove any vegetation as this is where many wildlife species, including loggerheads, make their nests.
• The Turtle Patrol regularly monitors the beach, and the nests will be marked with an orange DNR sign and white pole. Please do not disturb them. If you see a nesting turtle or emerging hatchling, keep your distance, keep pets away, and notify the Turtle Patrol.
• Do not dig up turtle nests or remove any eggs or hatchlings.
• Fill in any holes, level sand, and flatten sandcastles to prevent turtles from getting stuck.
• Remove all equipment, trash, food, and pet waste from the beach before leaving to avoid entangling the turtles and attracting predators.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect loggerhead sea turtles and ensure their survival for future generations.

Clear the beaches for nesting turtles

Nesting loggerhead turtles and their hatchlings face many challenges on South Carolina's beaches. The natural environment of these turtles is the ocean, and they only leave the water when it's time to lay eggs. Therefore, it is important to ensure their journey from the ocean to the nest and back is as safe as possible.

One of the main ways to help them is by clearing the beaches of any obstacles that may hinder their movement. This includes filling in holes, levelling and flattening the sand, and removing any blockages, such as sandcastles or bonfires. It is also important to remove all equipment, trash, food, and pet waste from the beach. These items can not only attract predators but also entangle the turtles, causing harm.

Additionally, lights on the beach can disorient the turtles, leading them away from the ocean. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep seaward-facing lighting turned off from May 15 to October 31 between 9 pm and 8 am. If light is necessary, using a red lens to cover the light can help reduce the negative impact on the turtles.

By following these guidelines, we can make it easier for nesting loggerhead turtles and their hatchlings to navigate the beaches safely and reduce the threats they face.

Raise awareness about the dangers of pollution

Loggerhead sea turtles are listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act and are protected by federal and state laws. They are the state reptile of South Carolina and have been designated as such since 1988.

To raise awareness about the dangers of pollution and help protect the loggerhead sea turtle population in South Carolina, here are some key points to consider:

The Impact of Pollution on Loggerhead Sea Turtles

• Pollution of waterways: Human activities have led to an increase in pollution, including insecticides and other harmful chemicals, that can contaminate the eggs of sea turtles.
• Ingestion of plastic waste: Loggerhead sea turtles may mistake plastic bags or bottles in the ocean for jellyfish or food. Ingesting this garbage can cause serious harm to their digestive system.
• Light pollution: Artificial lighting on beaches can disorient female sea turtles, discouraging them from laying eggs on the beach. It can also confuse hatchlings, causing them to wander inland and become dehydrated or susceptible to predators.

Educating the Public

• Spread information about the negative impact of pollution on loggerhead sea turtles, especially the dangers of plastic waste and light pollution.
• Encourage the use of sea turtle-friendly lighting fixtures and bulbs in coastal communities to reduce light pollution during the nesting season (May through October).
• Promote responsible waste disposal and recycling practices to reduce the amount of plastic and other pollutants in the ocean.
• Inform beachgoers about the importance of keeping beaches clean and free of trash, food waste, and other debris that can entangle turtles or attract predators.

Community Engagement

• Collaborate with local communities, organizations, and schools to organize beach clean-up events and raise awareness about the issue.
• Encourage residents and visitors to report any sightings of sea turtles or potential disturbances to the Turtle Patrol or local authorities.
• Share success stories and positive outcomes of conservation efforts to inspire and engage the community in protecting loggerhead sea turtles.

By raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of pollution, we can take significant steps toward protecting and preserving the loggerhead sea turtle population in South Carolina.

Support conservation efforts and organisations

The loggerhead sea turtle is a protected species under the Endangered Species Act, and it is classified as "threatened" in the United States and "endangered" internationally. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting these turtles and preserving their natural habitats. Here are some ways you can support these initiatives:

• Volunteer with the Turtle Patrol: The Turtle Patrol is a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to protect local loggerhead nests and monitor their behaviour. They regularly scout the beaches, coordinate with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and ensure the safety of nesting turtles and hatchlings.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the issues facing loggerhead turtles is crucial. Learn about the impact of pollution, boat traffic, and shrimp trawls on these creatures, and spread awareness to prevent further harm. Additionally, educate yourself and others about the importance of keeping beaches dark at night to avoid disorienting female turtles and hatchlings, which can be detrimental to their survival.
• Support Organisations: Consider supporting organisations dedicated to conserving loggerhead turtles and their habitats. For example, the South Carolina Aquarium houses sick and injured sea turtles, providing them with care before releasing them back into the wild. You can also look into organisations like the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which conducts research and tracking of sea turtles, and the South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE), a volunteer group dedicated to protecting sea turtles along the coastline.
• Donate to Conservation Efforts: Many organisations rely on donations to continue their work in conserving loggerhead turtles. Consider making a financial contribution to support research, education, and protection initiatives. Every donation makes a difference and helps ensure the long-term survival of this magnificent species.
• Reduce Plastic Waste: Plastic pollution is a significant threat to loggerhead turtles, as they can mistake plastic bags and bottles for food. Reduce your plastic consumption, properly dispose of waste, and support initiatives that promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
• Follow Lighting Guidelines: During the nesting season, from May through October, it is crucial to minimise artificial lighting near beaches. Keep seaward-facing lights turned off during this period, and if you must use a light, cover it with a red lens. These simple measures can significantly improve the survival rate of hatchlings and ensure the continued presence of loggerhead turtles in South Carolina.

Frequently asked questions