Sea turtle nesting season in full swing along Grand Strand

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — It’s the peak nesting season for sea turtles along the Grand Strand, and officials said they are seeing fewer nests than in past years.

There are just two loggerhead turtle nests currently at Myrtle Beach State Park, officials said, including one that just emerged Monday night.

So far this year, 57 nests have been recorded in Horry County, adding to a total of 4,700 across the state. Myrtle Beach State Park Ranger Ann Wilson says this is a low number but not alarming.

Happening simultaneously with turtle nesting season is hurricane season. When storms like Debby sweep through the Carolinas, any amount of storm surge can affect turtle nests.

“It’s going to be very different depending on where you were on the coast, how much rain you had, how much storm surge you had, how many nests you have, the type of beach, etc.,” Wilson said.

Wilson said it is too soon to tell how Debby impacted the local nests, but the temperature is a big driving force.

“If it’s been hot and dry, it will go quicker,” Wilson said. “If it’s cooler, more rain could slow things down a bit.”

Wilson said the turtle eggs typically hatch after 50 to 60 days. Once that happens, the hatchlings need a clear and safe passage to the water.

“Try to turn off your lights because the turtles will go toward the nearest light source, and we would rather that be … the moon … or the white waves and stars so they know how to get to the ocean,” Wilson said.

A recent nest that emerged at the park appeared to have 113 eggs, Wilson said. Officials plan to do an inventory in the coming days.

Wilson also said everyone can help out by filling in holes on the beaches, picking up litter and staying off the sand dunes, which is where turtle nests are typically found.

The nesting season typically runs from May to October, but the most active time is from June through August.

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Adriana Cotero is News13’s weekend evening anchor and a morning reporter. She joined the team in July 2023 after working in the island of Guam. Adriana is from Saline, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University. Follow Adriana on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram and read more of her work here. 

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