Turtle Nest Loss Minimal From Tropical Storm Sally

provided by SCCF

The Sanible Captiva Conservation Foundation sea turtle team has reported a total loss of 17 nests to Tropical Storm Sally – 10 on Sanibel, seven on Captiva.

SCCF Biologist Jack Brzoza used a GPS device to locate nests where the stakes were completely washed away to determine if the eggs were still incubating under the sand.

“With our record-breaking number of nests this year, these 17 nests lost only make up a small percentage of the total nests and will not significantly impact our overall productivity,” said Brzoza. “We are thrilled that 32,862 hatchlings have already reached the sea from 569 hatched nests this season.”

The nest loss from TS Sally is less than the loss of 29 nests in early June from TS Cristobal. Sea turtles have a nesting strategy that accommodates for such natural events.

SCCF Biologist Jack Brzoza digging. Photo by Tom James of Pelican Media

SCCF Biologist Jack Brzoza uses Trimble GPS. Photo by Tom James of Pelican Media

SCCF Biologist Jack Brzoza and Cheri Hollis conduct a nest inventory.

A sunrise nest inventory.