It’s been a very busy sea turtle season so far at Caswell Beach this year, and our record numbers are making headlines. This past week Southport’s State Port Pilot front page feature focused on the work that Caswell Beach Turtle Watch does and how it is on track to mark a record number of sea turtle nests. Caswell Beach’s highest nest count was in 2019 with 105 nests. As of this time, Caswell’s nest count stands at 104, with additional nests still possible in the nest week or so. Will we beat the record?! Fingers crossed!
The article also mentions Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program and their efforts on the busier. west side of Oak Island. OISTPP is also looking to break nest count records, as are many other NC beaches this summer.
As if the accumulating nest counts aren’t enough, given the high number of nests it’s no surprise that we are now in peak hatching season as well. Visitors have had the rare opportunity of seeing early evening nest boils on a number of occasions. CBTW has thankfully received numerous calls reporting hatchlings, which has helped us to ensure all hatchlings are adequately tended to and protected as they make their journey to the sea. We’ve recognized a growing number turtle ambassadors this season, which may also be a record high, as it shows our outreach and education is working!
Our nests are hatching out of order, and keeping us on our toes. Though we can never be sure why we suspect factors are heat, King and High TIdes, time of season when nests are laid and the effects on incubation.
We’ve had a good number of hatches to date for early August, and excavations have generally shown very successful hatch ratios. We are hoping to send a high number of turtles babies into the sea by the end of this 2026 season!
Come see us at Oak Island Farmer’s Market on August 10, and don’t forget to stop by our merchandise sales at Caswell Beach Town Hall on Tuesdays or Fridays from 9-12!
July 2026 Highlights
**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Caswell Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 26ST03).
YOU CAN HELP! If you see a sea turtle mama coming onto the beach and and attempting to nest, please call our hotline immediately (910-368-6323) to notify us. During sea turtle season, we monitor 24/7. Please educate your family, friends, neighbors and especially – your renters. ALWAYS feel free to reach out to us if there is a concern, or you have questions. (All contact info is at the top of the page.)
PLEASE PRINT AND SHARE our Sea Turtle Info Sheet below. If you own a rental or are a renter, please post this for visitors to see. Greater education and understanding will lead to more happy and healthy sea turtles gracing our beaches. Every little bit helps!
CWB Sea Turtle Info SheetDownload
A REMINDER ABOUT LIGHTS
