Edisto Beach State Park and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge are home to the state's first two loggerhead sea turtle nests this year.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) specialists discovered the nests Wednesday during morning beach patrols. SCDNR says both nests were left undisturbed in their original location—so the clutch size is not yet known.
Loggerhead sea turtles, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, typically lay the most nests each year in South Carolina. Annual nest totals are known to fluctuate because of the turtles' cyclical behavior. In 2019, more than 8,700 nests were discovered—the highest on record. Last year, nearly 4,000 nests were found.
Despite yearly fluctuations, long-term nesting trends across the southeastern U.S. are encouraging following decades of conservation efforts. And although female loggerheads don't nest every year, active seasons can produce several nests about two weeks apart with an average clutch size of 120 eggs.
Sea turtle nesting season in South Carolina runs from May 1 through October 31. Residents or anyone visiting the state's beaches during this time are remind to:
- Keep beaches dark at night by turning off beachfront lighting and avoiding flash photography or phone lights near nesting turtles and hatchlings.
- Always observe sea turtles from a respectful distance and never disturb turtles or marked nests.
- Keep beaches clean and remove trash, furniture, and obstacles that may impede nesting turtles or hatchlings.
- Boat cautiously, particularly in tidal creeks and nearshore waters where sea turtles frequently feed.
Other sea turtles that may nest on South Carolina's beaches are green turtles, Kemp’s ridleys and leatherbacks. All are protected under both federal and state law.
Sick, injured, stranded, or dead sea turtles, as well as nest disturbances should be reported to SCDNR at 800-922-5431. Additionally, if a sea turtle is accidentally hooked while fishing, contact SCDNR immediately for assistance.