The local sea turtle patrol team from Hunting Island State Park has announced a delay to the start of the nesting season on Hunting Island, and on South Carolina beaches, as SCDNR postpones sea turtle nesting season patrols.
A newsletter released on Thursday morning informed subscribers that due to the pandemic/state of emergency, the 2020 sea turtle season has been put on hold until the threat is over.
The season is due to officially start on May 1st, as it does every year, but some southeastern U.S. beaches are already starting to get nesting turtles.
The word came from SCDNR to put the volunteer patrol work on hold.
“Within the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources only essential functions are occurring and in isolation,” the release said.
“Sea turtle surveys, responding to sea turtles injured, sick or dead and any associated activities are not defined as essential services for the state. SCDNR staff are working from home and not allowed to conduct field work.”
“Therefore by extension, all activities performed by volunteers in the field on behalf of SCDNR, are also on hold at this time. Should the situation change we will advise you all immediately.”
Despite looking forward to another great season, SCDNR cited concern for volunteers’ safety. “We will get through this and come out stronger, better and certainly with a greater respect for hygiene practices,” DNR said.
Knowing full well that you can’t control nature, SCDNR noted that the turtles will continue their natural process oblivious to our challenges and we again will be able to assist in their continued protection and population recovery.
Sadly, after a record setting season on local beaches and in the state, there’s no doubt that this season’s nest and hatchling totals will be off. We hope that this crisis is over soon enough so our local volunteers can continue their work, their passion, in helping to protect nesting sea turtles on Beaufort’s local beaches.
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