At Caswell Beach Turtle Watch, our primary assignment and objective is to protect endangered and threatened sea turtle species on behalf of North Carolina Wildlife Resources.
Many are unaware that sea turtle protection groups are not just “grassroots” local teams in love with nature. Official and designated sea turtle protection groups are trained and then issued permits by the state with specific operational guidelines. Each year, these practices and directives are updated and govern what we can do in our work and how we do it. It’s all about measuring and implementing progress in sea turtle numbers.
But, you may be surprised to hear it’s not ALL about sea turtles. We also assist with a number of related efforts in our time at the beach.
Shark Strands
One effort we have been asked to assist with this year is to report on the number of stranded sharks we find at Caswell Beach.
Yes, you may be surprised, but we do have sharks here. And between incidental catches, boat strikes, and ocean debris, there are a number of reasons why they may wash up.
So this year, we are helping to document data about stranded sharks to help inform North Carolina Shark Conservancy researchers on potential causes.
There’s always something new on the beach to keep us busy!
Balloons
We find balloons (among other beach debris) almost daily, and often more than one. We all know that balloons are bad for the environment for many reasons.
Of course, it’s all in good fun, and oftentimes those releasing balloons are unaware of the downstream impact.
Last season, we found a balloon from very far inland with a message attached requesting a response for where it landed. It gave us a positive opportunity to connect and educate.
This year, we are working with a youth science group collecting data about the balloons we find. You can also find out more about the harmful effects from balloons at BalloonsBlow.org, including more bio-friendly alternatives.
Sea Turtle Updates
Unfortunately, we had a disturbing episode of interference with a sea turtle mama attempting to crawl up the beach to nest. Sea Turtle harrassment is against the law. If you encounter a sea turtle on Caswell Beach, it needs to be reported to our hotline at 910-368-6323. Please educate your guest, neighbors and renters about the responsibilities of a sea turtle protected beach (see handout below).
On a more positive note, we DID receive a number of calls about nesting sea turtle mamas this week, which allowed us to SAVE A NEST from being washed away before the high tide hit. THANK YOU to Graham and Hunter!
Our growing nest count is slow but steady, so we will begin to see our first hatches in late July!
**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Caswell Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 26ST03).
Please consider donating to our efforts as we build up our necessary resources for the season.
You can donate at Caswell Beach Turtle Watch Donations.
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!
