Now that the 2010 nesting season has come to an end on Jekyll Island, we would like to give everyone a quick recap of our busy summer. Georgia beaches have a total of 1,738 sea turtle nests so far this season! Jekyll has had 140 nests, leaving us just six nests shy of doubling the season total from 2009. Our first nest of the season was a leatherback nest and the other 139 were all loggerheads. It was a very productive year for us. We had an activity, be it a false crawl or a nesting female, just about every night. On one particular night we saw eight turtles and had six nests! It was our busiest night of the season.

Patrol Members "working up" a Nesting Female

We had many interesting encounters this season as well. There was one particular turtle who we encountered 14 times throughout the season! She must really like Jekyll Island. Another turtle who we saw quite a few times was affectionately named Stumpy, as she is missing almost all of her left rear flipper, leaving just a little stump. Poor Stumpy. On multiple occasions we spent over an hour with her helping her dig the left side of her chamber, and once we thought she was satisfied with it, she would leave! But our time with Stumpy paid off one night when we finally got to see her drop some eggs.

We had a few turtles who impressed us with their climbing skills by crawling up to the top of some very high dunes to nest. Some of those nests were even hard for us to climb up to! And another turtle surprised us by crawling right underneath Glory Dock and nesting on the other side. One turtle even decided to nest at 2:00 in the afternoon!

A Nesting Female Returns to the Water

With all of the nests this summer, we are now seeing lots of little hatchlings. It was exciting to see that this year, unlike last year, our leatherback nest hatched! When it was excavated we found two straggler hatchlings that we were able to watch, as they made their way down to the ocean and swam away. Now that we are nearing the end of the summer, it seems as though we are finding tiny turtle tracks on our beach just about every morning.

Hatchlings Heading Down the Beach

Overall, this was a very productive and exciting summer filled with nesting mother sea turtles, baby sea turtles, new friends, and a lot of fun. We have been very busy on the beach, working hard and learning a lot, and enjoying our time here at the GSTC. Before we all part ways at the end of the month, we wanted to say a quick thank you to all of our volunteers who gave so much of their time this summer to help us out on our patrols. Thank you! Be sure to check back on our blog for more updates at the end of hatchling season.

Sincerely,

The 2010 AmeriCorps Night Patrol Team

The turtle patrol team awoke at 6am on May 3^rd, to do their regularly scheduled dawn patrol of Jekyll’s beach. It was a beautiful day and we arrived at Driftwood at 7am. It felt like an ordinary Monday, but we soon found it was not so ordinary. We found a cold and lonely fawn whom needed a friend and a jacket. We quickly covered the cold fawn with a GSTC jacket and called JIA to help save the little fella from the clutches of cold weather.

We continued on our journey and headed south when suddenly a distant indentation in the sand caught our eyes. It was the first track of the season… and it belonged to a leatherback! We immediately stopped the vehicle to investigate. We followed the track beginning at the high tide line, went in a few circles, and eventually came to the nest near the Brice street beach access point. We were overcome with joy as we had found Georgia’s first nest of the season!

She had laid her nest in a poor location, along the rock wall, so it was necessary to relocate it in order to prevent it from being inundated and possibly washed out. We called our faithful leader, Ms. Stefanie Ouellette, and she immediately came down to assist. The patrol team relocated the nest to a more suitable location farther south to protect the (hopefully) soon-to-be hatchlings.

While that has been our only nest so far, we wish the nest a successful 70-90 day incubation period and are looking forward to the rest of the season.

Thanks for Reading,

The 2010 patrol team

With the a new beach lighting ordinance soon to be in effect (amended in August 2008, grace period ends May 1, 2010), many Jekyll Islands residents and beachfront business owners came out for the 2010 “Sea Turtles and Lights” workshop held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on March 17, 2010. Many approved turtle-friendly lighting distributors were in attendance to display their approved products and spread the word about wildlife-friendly lighting.

After Eric Garvey, Senior Director of Marketing, welcomed the participants, Dr. Terry Norton, GSTC Director and Veterinarian, kicked off the workshop with a presentation about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center; what it is, what we are all about, and what we’ve accomplished in 3 very short years. Next Mark Dodd, GADNR Sea Turtle Program Coordinator, brought us up to speed on sea turtle natural history and the research conducted on the Sidney Lanier Bridge’s turtle-friendly lighting.  To wrap up the program, GSTC Marine Field Programs Coordinator, Stefanie Ouellette, gave a educational presentation on understanding lights,how lights effect sea turtles and answered the question: What is a turtle-friendly light?

After the presentations wrapped up and all questions were answered, manufacturers/vendors from Wildlife Lighting LLC, Electro Elf, Acclaim Lighting, The Coppersmith, and Justice Design Group displayed their state-of-the-art, approved turtle-friendly products in eye-catching exhibits for the participants.

A few other manufacturers/vendors (Turtle Safe Lighting, Starry Night Lights, the Lighting Science Group and Eco Smart)  were unable to attend in person, but they did send us some sample products prior to the workshop to display.

You can find LINKS to these companies on our website, as well as many other links that might be helpful or interesting to you!  You can also visit our BEACH LIGHTING page on our website to learn and understand more about sea turtles and lights.

As successful as this workshop was, we are sure we can make the next one even better! Stay tuned for information regarding our next workshop coming up this summer…..

Sincerely,

The 2010 Sea Turtle Patrol Team

You may have heard a lot in the news recently about sea turtles.  From the cold stunning event in Florida to the push to get loggerheads on the endangered species list.  But what is happening with the population on our local beaches?  Join us Thursday, April 8th for a discussion on the nesting females of Jekyll Island!  Georgia Sea Turtle Center Research Coordinator Stefanie Ouellette will discuss the Jekyll population and all of the exciting research being done right here in Georgia!

What: Lecture Series - Jekyll Island’s Nesting Females

Who: Georgia Sea Turtle Center Research Coordinator Stefanie Ouellette

Where: Brunswick/Glynn County Library

When: Thursday April 8, 2010  7:00 p.m.

Hello,

We are the 2010 GSTC Night Patrol Team. Before the season kicks off we would like to let you know a little more about each of us. Below we’ve each briefly described our backgrounds and why we are excited to be part of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center AmeriCorps Night Patrol Team!

(L to R: Joe, Elissa, Kim, Chrissy, Renee, Heather, Christina, Rachel, Adam)

Chrissy Bissett

I graduated in July 2009 from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with my Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. Before I graduated, I did an independent study with one of my professors when I monitored Figure Eight Island for sea turtle nests. I also interned at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. My fondness for sea turtles started in college, and has become closer to an obsession. I’m very glad to be here, and I hope to learn a whole lot more about these wonderful creatures.

Adam Dispenza

Raised on Sanibel Island, FL, I went to school at the University of West Florida in Pensacola where I received a BA degree in Communication Arts. Even though I’m not a science major, I hope to use that degree to create conservation films and write Children’s books to educate kids about endangered species. Before attending UWF, I was a volunteer at the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island where I taught visitors about the local mangrove ecology. I also volunteered at CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) for over a decade where I often worked closely with Gopher Tortoises and other turtles. My sea turtle experience began at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation where I assisted in morning sea turtle patrols. Besides volunteering at various wildlife organizations, I have acquired the majority of my knowledge at home by keeping and breeding numerous reptiles and amphibians.

Christina Martin

I am a recent graduate from the University of Florida where I received my degree in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, as well as a minor in Chemistry. I was a member and secretary of the Wildlife Society UF Chapter as well as a member of the UF chemistry club during my Junior and Senior years. Last summer I interned at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission where I worked with manatees conducting field necropsies, photo identification, and radio tracking. During that same summer, I worked with Loggerhead turtles by conducting morning walks and excavations in Jupiter, Florida. I have also traveled to Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras to do amphibian and reptile research, and am very excited to now be a part of the turtle research program here on Jekyll Island.

Heather McCarn

Aloha! I graduated in May 2009 from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science as well as Psychology. While pursuing my degree, I volunteered as a member of the Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network in connection with NOAA. Our main focus was protecting the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal as well as any whales, dolphins, and turtles that needed help. I am originally from Oregon (Go Beavers!!) and grew up visiting the Oregon Coast and searching through the tide pools and watching the whales. I have always had a fascination for creatures in the ocean and I am super excited to begin Turtle Patrols in May and enjoy my experience at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Elissa Monahan

I graduated from the University of Colorado- Boulder with a degree in Environmental Science and minors in Biology and Geography. I also have a certificate in Hydrology and Water Resources. While at CU I completed an Earth Education internship program. I have volunteered in Panama with a Leatherback and Manatee conservation project in San San Wetland Reserve. I am very excited to be part of GSTC patrol team this summer and look forward to learning more about Sea Turtles and Sea Turtle conservation efforts.

Renee Roesler

Hello! I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in May 2009 with a BS in Marine Biology. My love for marine life started when I lived in Maine for two years when I was younger but it wasn’t until college that my love for sea turtles began. Prior to being here at GSTC I did an internship last fall at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, FL. My work was with the Sea Turtle Rehab Department but I also got to work with their cow nose stingrays and nurse sharks. I love sea turtles and I hope working with sea turtles becomes my career one day. I’m glad to be here at GSTC and I can’t wait for patrolling to start in May. I think sea turtles are amazing animals and I hope to learn more about what’s being done to conserve these beautiful creatures of the sea.

Joseph Scarola

Hailing from Laguna Niguel, California, Joseph Scarola spent his younger years at Dana Hills High School where his interest in the ocean sparked from a Marine Biology class taught by Mr. Marv Sherrill. A year-long class followed by a ten day expedition to Bahia de Los Animas in Baja California. He went on to graduate with a degree in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has continued his passion for the ocean by earning his Advanced SUBA Certification. Just back from a six month sea turtle conservation project in Cape Verde, Africa from June till December 2009, he is one of nine new AmeriCorps members at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. He is looking forward to a great season and learning new things at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Peace. SOS Tartarugas.

Rachel Sommer

I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and minors in Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies. Prior to my graduation I completed an internship through the Coastal Watershed Institute where I worked with oysters and oyster reef restoration in South West Florida. Upon graduation I worked part-time for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in the Fisheries program under Dr. Aaron Adams, where I was responsible for monitoring fish populations in mangrove creeks of Southwest Florida. I also spent time working with Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program doing morning patrols. I most recently began volunteering at Clearwater Marine Aquarium working with Bottlenose dolphins, North America River Otters, and Sea Turtles. I am so excited to be a part of the Night Patrol here at GSTC and can’t wait to learn more about these amazing creatures!

Kimberly Tomczak

I graduated from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Fisheries and Wildlife. While at UNL, I became interested in marine biology. After obtaining my Bachelors Degree, I volunteered in Costa Rica with a marine research organization. I took part in night patrols monitoring the Olive Ridley sea turtle. I am excited to be a member of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and look forward to working with Georgia’s sea turtles.

The Patrol Team Leader will be joining the team April 1, 2010.   Some of you might remember her fromt the 2008 Patrol Team…Please welcome back Emily Walker!

Thank you for your time. Please check back with us soon as we’ll be blogging throughout the season about our experiences here at Jekyll Island and presenting at the July Lecture Series (held every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Brunswick Library, 7pm)

Sincerely,

The 2010 Patrol Team

Artificial lighting can have negative impacts on all nocturnal wildlife, including sea turtles.  Both the nesting females and the hatchlings can be affected by improper artificial lighting.  Nesting females will not nest in brightly lit areas and hatchlings can easily get mis- or dis-oriented (LEFT).  What can you do?  Glad you asked!  Believe it or not, there are ways to have lights where you need them AND be turtle-friendly…all at the same time!

We are happy to say that Jekyll Island amended its Beach Lighting Ordinance in 2008, which requires all properties along the beach, and in view of the beach, to become turtle-friendly with their lights.  How do you do this?  What are turtle friendly lights? Can you still have some lights?  Which ones?

These questions and more will be answered at the upcoming ‘SEA TURTLES AND LIGHTS‘ workshop, hosted by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Jekyll Island Authority.

While there are many problems with lights all along Georgia’s coastline, this workshop will concentrate on Jekyll Island specifically, including the Jekyll Island Authority staff,  Jekyll Island residents, hotels and businesses.  We will have presentations by sea turtle experts,  some lighting vendors with examples of turtle-friendly approved (FWC & FWS) fixtures, bulbs and/or shields, and lots of take-home information so YOU can make your lights turtle-friendly!

We hope to get everyone compliant with the lighting ordinance before sea turtle nesting season begins on May 1. Please see the flyer above for workshop information.   CLICK HERE for a PDF version of the flyer.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

• Loggerhead : total nests = 71; total false crawls (Non-nesting emergences) = 140
• Leatherback total nests = 2; total false crawls = 0
• Total Emergences (Nests + False Crawls) = 213
• Completely depredated by a raccoon = 2 nests

Here is the most recent update for the Jekyll Island’s 2009 Sea Turtle Nesting Season:

We have reached the end of the 2009 sea turtle nesting season on Jekyll Island.  It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a female, so we will be concluding our night patrol after this weekend.  But have no fear, you’ll still see us in the mornings on the beach conducting our dawn patrol and nest monitoring procedures!  Don’t forget to keep up the Turtle-Friendly habits as hatching season is just getting into full swing and can last through October!
Thanks to the 2009 Sea Turtle Patrol Interns and Volunteers who worked countless hours, at night and in the mornings, for the past 4 months to make this nesting/tagging season another great success!  I’ll share some overall results soon, so keep any eye on our BLOG and website!!!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Here’s the latest update on the sea turtle nests and false crawls on Jekyll Island, GA:

In other, related news….HATCHING SEASON HAS BEGUN! While it is still just beginning and rather slow, we are expecting it to pick up soon!  So, we have decided to start our Hatchling Walk Program!  Please visit our website: www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org for more information and schedule.  Call 912-635-4444 for reservations (space is limited!).

Please remember and follow the turtle-friendly tips we’ve listed on previous BLOG postings and on our website..lighting is especially important in regards to the hatchlings, so leave those flashlights at home!

With hatching season upon us, we have some additional guidelines we’d like everyone to follow:

-If you see a nest hatching, please remain at least 20 feet away from it.  The research team (i.e. Turtle Patrol) needs to count these tracks and record other various, valuable data from these nests in the mornings.  Walking on the hatchling tracks impedes this process and documentation.  You also run the risk of stepping on a hatchling!

-NEVER pick up a hatchling and/or ‘help it to the ocean’.  Hatchlings gather very important information during their journey from the nest to the water.  They also build up muscle strength during this time and a determination to fight for survival-all very important skills needed to improve their chances at making it to adulthood and coming back to nest on Jekyll!

-If you see a hatchling near the water, flipped upside down, please resist the temptation to flip it back over.  At this stage, their flippers are a little too big for them with, together with their ‘rubbery’ shells (not yet completely hardened), they can actually flip themselves over quite nicely! And again, this is important to their survival skills.

-To reports a disoriented hatchling (i.e. in the dunes, cross-overs, parking lots or street) or a ‘wash-back’ hatchling (one that has been washed back onto shore and appears too week to fight the surf), please call the GSTC at 912-635-4444 with as much information about the hatchling and it’s location as possible.

-Remember, hatchlings are easily negatively impacted by artificial lighting.  Never take flash photos of them at night, shine a flashlight or any other type of light at them.

Thank you all for your cooperation in assuring all of our turtle mothers and hatchlings have the best chance of survival on Jekyll Island!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator