Number Of Ga. Coast Sea Turtle Nests May Break Record
It’s been a good year for sea turtles on the Georgia coast. Scientists have found 2,022 nests so far, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The vast majority of the nests belonged to loggerheads, but researchers have also turned up five green turtle nests and one leatherback nest. All three species are protected by the state and federal government.
The nesting season is tapering off now, but the Georgia DNR believes this will end up being a recording-breaking year, topping 2013’s record of 2,289 nests.
Earlier this year, the DNR found that some hotels and other buildings on Jekyll Island were violating a lighting ordinance meant to keep too much light from shining on the beach and interfering with turtle nesting. Artificial light shining on the beach can prevent females from laying their eggs and can confuse baby turtles once they hatch.
Jekyll Island Authority spokeswoman Jessica Scott said the agency is working with businesses to fix the violations, and most of them have been addressed.
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