Outer Banks Forever releases 2023 ‘Sea Turtle Scoop’ – OBX Today

Two Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle hatchlings resting on shore before making their way to the ocean. [NPS photo]

Did you know biological science technicians at Cape Hatteras National Seashore carefully track, learn from and protect hundreds of sea turtle nests on the Seashore each year?

While human visitors flocked to the Seashore this summer, more than 370 sea turtles also made their way there to nest.

Outer Banks Forever is excited to announce that more than 25,000 sea turtle hatchlings began their journey to the ocean this year, and supporters of the Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest program helped raise $28,987 to protect and enhance the Seashore and the vital sea turtle habitat it preserves!

“Sea turtles are some of our favorite visitors here in the Outer Banks,” said Jessica Barnes, director of Outer Banks Forever. “We’re so grateful to our national park staff who help protect the sea turtles, their nests and the habitat they need to thrive. Each donor who adopts a nest on the Seashore helps us invest in protecting and enhancing this amazing place.”

Check out the “Sea Turtle Scoop” below to learn more about the 2023 nesting season.