Sea turtles, with their graceful movements and ancient lineage, hold a special place in the hearts of ocean enthusiasts. These magnificent creatures not only capture our imagination but also fulfill crucial roles in marine ecosystems. Regrettably, they face numerous challenges that threaten their survival. Let's delve deeper into the hurdles they must overcome in their quest for survival and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
The coastal areas where sea turtles nest are increasingly under threat due to human development. These nesting sites are essential for the continuation of sea turtle populations. The pristine beaches they rely on for nesting are often transformed into tourist resorts and urban areas, leading to the destruction of vital nesting sites.
Our oceans are drowning in plastic waste and pollution. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags and debris for food, leading to ingestion and potential harm. Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to these creatures as it can cause blockages in their digestive systems, making it difficult for them to swallow and digest real food.
Rising temperatures and changing ocean currents affect the nesting patterns of sea turtles. This can lead to the loss of entire generations if we don't take action. As the global climate continues to change, the temperatures of the sand on beaches where sea turtles nest can become inhospitable for the development of their eggs, resulting in reduced hatching success.
Sea turtles often become entangled in fishing nets and lines, resulting in injuries or death. This is particularly common in areas where fishing is prevalent, and the bycatch of sea turtles remains a significant concern. Bycatch is the accidental capture of non-target species, and it's a serious problem for the conservation of sea turtles.
At Shop The Low Country, we believe in taking concrete steps to protect sea turtles and preserve our marine ecosystems. Here's how we're making a difference:
We understand that reducing plastic waste is critical to sea turtle conservation. That's why we offer a range of eco-friendly products that reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable living. From reusable shopping bags to biodegradable straws, our store encourages responsible consumer choices. By choosing these products, you're helping reduce the demand for single-use plastics, which often end up in our oceans.
We are committed to raising awareness about sea turtle conservation. Our store hosts workshops and events that educate the community about the importance of these creatures and how they can help. We firmly believe that knowledge is power, and by sharing information about sea turtles and their challenges, we can inspire action.
We actively support organizations that are dedicated to sea turtle conservation. A portion of our profits goes to these groups, helping fund research, rescue efforts, and habitat preservation. We understand that collaboration is essential in the fight to save sea turtles, and by supporting these organizations, we contribute to their vital work.
Shop The Low Country provides opportunities for our customers and community members to get directly involved in sea turtle conservation efforts. Whether it's participating in beach cleanups or assisting with nesting site protection, we encourage hands-on involvement. By volunteering your time, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of sea turtles and contribute to their survival.
Now that you know about the challenges sea turtles face and our commitment to their protection, here's how you can join our mission:
Make conscious choices when shopping for everyday items. Opt for reusable products, reduce single-use plastics, and support businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Every small change you make in your daily life can have a positive impact on sea turtles and the environment.
Learn more about sea turtles and their conservation. Share this knowledge with friends and family to create a ripple effect of awareness and action. Education is a powerful tool in the fight to save sea turtles, and by spreading the word, you can inspire others to take action as well.
Consider volunteering with local organizations dedicated to marine conservation. Your efforts can have a direct impact on sea turtles and their habitats. Whether it's participating in beach cleanups, assisting with nest monitoring, or helping injured turtles at rehabilitation centers, your time and energy can make a significant difference.
Choose to support businesses like Shop The Low Country that are actively involved in environmental conservation efforts. Your purchases can contribute to meaningful change. When you shop with us, you're not just buying products; you're supporting a mission to protect sea turtles and preserve our oceans for future generations.
Saving sea turtles is a collective effort, and every action counts. We, Shop The Low Country, are deeply committed to this cause, and we invite you to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of these incredible creatures. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the privilege of witnessing the beauty of sea turtles in our oceans. So, let's take the plunge and be the change-makers our planet needs. Together, we can make a real difference in the conservation of sea turtles and the preservation of our marine ecosystems. Sea turtles depend on us, and together, we can be their voice and their guardians.
]]>Oysters are essential to the health of marine ecosystems and their loss could have serious consequences. They play a vital role in the food web, providing food for other marine creatures. They also help to filter the water and stabilize the shoreline.
It is important to do everything we can to protect oysters and conserve their habitats. We need to make sure that they are not overfished, and we must take steps to reduce the amount of pollution in our oceans. The time is now!
Shopthelowcountry.com believes that if you love eating oysters you must help to build their reefs. If we keep eating and using them without taking care of their home, we will soon be at the edge of the cliff. No oysters to enjoy!
Soon, the waters will become dirty and incapable of protecting marine life. Each time you buy an oyster shirt from Shopthelowcountry.com, you help us rebuild oyster reefs. Part of the money collected will go straight to the project.
In order to grow and ensure the success of this movement, we are ready to level up and commit to the mission with a heart. We can give the oysters a better home with your assistance.
]]>~ Dr. Archie Carr
Sea Turtle Care Center
RESCUE. REHABILITATION. RELEASE.
Sea turtles are one of the most vulnerable groups of animals on the planet. They are often injured by boats, caught in fishing nets, or infected by parasites. Sea Turtle Care at the South Carolina Aquarium is dedicated to saving these animals and rehabilitating them so that they can be released back into the wild.
Things You Need to Know About Sea Turtles:
They are one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean.
You can discover these animals in different shapes and sizes, and they come in a variety of colors. They are also very friendly and often let people pet them.
If no turtles were living and eating on a coral reef, sponges could overgrow and suffocate slow-growing corals causing them to die and is their main source of food.
They specialize in eating jellyfishThis helps to keep jellyfish populations in check. If turtles were to disappear, jellyfish populations would explode. Jellyfish eat the eggs of various species so if their population were to increase then there would be less marine life!
They eat seagrasses and seaweeds
Acting as underwater lawnmowers, turtles keep the sea healthy and uncontaminated.
They are not pets
Turtles are included on the list of endangered species. That's why South Carolina helps in rescuing and rehabilitating them but end up releasing them back to their home later. They are meant to be in the wild for a crucial purpose that affects each and every one of us.
If we don't take care of the environment, we'll lose all of the benefits that it provides us. Take it into consideration. The next time you buy shirts, bags, accessories, and other collection items, be conscious if they do it for charity or pure business.
Get involved
It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your community. It allows you to connect with others, make a difference in your world, and learn new things. You can help with the simplest effort you are willing to give.
You can always lead by example. Show that it's possible to solve a problem and that there are ways to save the Earth by taking one step ahead. Educate others on what's happening in the world and how they can help make a difference.
Education is not enough to protect our children and family. Don't wait until the day when all sea turtles, horseshoe crabs, sharks, and other marine animals become memories of our generation.
]]>
We have fun shirts for the oyster lover in your life. Whether you love to eat them or wear them, a portion of the money earned goes towards helping the endangered Sea Turtle Center at the Aquarium in Charleston, South Carolina. We want you to feel and look good.
Our oyster design is witty and meaningful. Since people like wearing t-shirts, we try to incorporate the design with this type of clothing. It is really comfortable and you can wear them in a lot of different situations. Additionally, you can spread awareness about our mission while you wear the amazing Oyster Shucker Shirt. You'll surely enjoy it!
When you browse our site, you might wonder why our team sells turtle and oyster shirts. Our work began by helping oysters and sea turtles. Why is that? Because Sea turtles are important to the environment. They provide habitat for an array of "aquatic hitchhikers" like crustaceans, algae, barnacles and their long migrations help transport these species, act as an umbrella shelter from fish predators and make themselves "earth's ambassadors" in their travels in both oceans and on land.. And Oysters are crucial to global ocean health by buffering coastlines, providing habitat to Salt Marsh ecosystems and by filtering and cleaning the water while they eat! The environment is important for all of us, and we need to do everything we can to help it recover from pollution, dredging and from other ocean threats.
It's the least thing we can do for the environment. One step at a time. That's the best way to achieve any goals. You can join us too!
]]>Nearly all species of sea turtle are now classified as endangered with seven species considered critically endangered. Each is unique and important in its own way. The disturbing part is that they are killed for their meat, eggs, shells or are dying from ingesting plastics in the ocean, mistaking these for jellyfish which Sea Turtles live on, or can die from ‘boatstrikes’ whereby drivers may not even know they’ve killed or maimed a Sea Turtle.
The following discusses the top endangered turtles in the world.
Loggerhead sea turtles are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean and Indian oceans. They nest on our South Carolina Beaches. Weighing up to 350 pounds, they have a very large head, 3.5 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds. Their shell is dark brown in color and their body is a reddish brown color.
They are omnivores and often eat crabs, mollusks, jellyfish; seagrass, algae and jellyfish. Loggerhead sea turtle is listed as a threatened species due to bycatch in fishing gear used by boats.
The largest turtle can be over 6 feet in length and weigh over 2,000 lbs. With a very different look from other sea turtles, the shell is a single piece with five ridges and distinctive from others who have plated shells. Their skin is dark and covered with white or pink spots.
Feeding on jellyfish, salps, crustaceans, squid, urchins, they are deep divers of over 3,000 feet, the Leatherback nests on tropical beaches and can migrate as far north as Canada.
The green sea turtle is the most common in the world. They are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and they can also be found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a large sea turtle that can weigh up to 350 pounds. Their shell is dark green, and their body is light green. The black turtle is a subspecies.
Green sea turtles are herbivores eating seaweed, seagrass, algae, and marine vegetation. Also, they are known to eat jellyfish and other invertebrates. The green sea turtle is listed as a vulnerable species, and they are threatened by loss of habitat, poaching, and climate change.
Named for the shape of their beak, the hawksbill sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. They are a critically endangered species growing to 3.5 feet in length and weighing up to 180 pounds. their shell is dark brown, and their body is a beautiful light brown, tortoiseshell pattern on their carapace which has caused them to be hunted to near extinction.
They are herbivores and eat a variety of plants. They feed on sponges and can amazingly digest that needle-like skeleton. Listed as critically endangered from the loss of coral reefs, they are found in reefs, rocky areas, lagoons and estuaries
The smallest at 30 inches long with weight up to 100 lbs, they are coastal turtles and prefer to eat crabs. Look for them in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Habitats with muddy or sandy bottoms help them more easily find prey. Kemp’s Ridley’s are famous for their huge group style of nesting.
With an olive colored shell, they are small and weigh less than 100 lbs, eating mostly invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, jellyfish, rock lobsters although some only eat algae. You can find them in tropical regions around the world. Like Kemp’s Ridley, females come to shore in colonies of up to 1,000 turtles with mass nesting on the Central America and India coasts.
The only sea turtle species not found in North America and found in Australia is named for their flattened oliver grey carapace, the Flatback eat squid, sea cucumbers, soft corals and mollusks.
So, would you let your children witness each ocean site where no turtle exists? Give their future a chance. You can start by doing actions with a great purpose. Buy a shirt from shopthelowcountry.com and let us help these amazing creatures be free in the wild, safe and sound
]]>The sea turtle has been around for 100 million years. iIt s a creature that is closely associated with the ocean as a symbol of longevity, endurance and the deep mysteries that lie beneath the surface. The turtle is also a symbol of transformation and change. A metaphor that represents strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. You can visit our online shop and choose gifts and designs. There is something you'll surely love.
When it comes to productivity, it's important to focus on one task at a time. Trying to do too many things at once can be counterproductive and can lead to frustration and a feeling of being overwhelmed. That's why Shopthelowcountry.com LLC is focused on one task because we're able to give it our undivided attention.
Through rescuing sea turtles, we take things one step at a time. Sea turtles need assistance and we are more than happy to offer our support. Helping can be voluntary. Some can help in form of donations or by supporting products and companies that are for a good cause like us here!
Other sellers are usually selling clothes for pure business purposes. On our end, we save one turtle each time you purchase one of our Products. Shopthelowcountry.com products are hand designed and we assure you that our products are made with love and quality.
]]>Adoptive parent(s) to be! Whether you have seen Loggerhead turtle hatchlings run from their nest to the ocean, you can be as close to a turtle as possible through adoption! The SC Aquarium appreciates your help keeping the residents healthy enough to be released back to the sea.
]]>Adoptive sea turtle parent(s) to be! You are looking at an image of a "false crawl" by a female loggerhead.
Whether you have seen Loggerhead turtle hatchlings run from their nest to the ocean, you can be as close to a turtle as possible through adoption! The SC Aquarium appreciates your help keeping the residents healthy enough to be released back to the sea. Adopt an Animal is a symbolic gift where animals will receive needed vitamins, food and expert hospital care in order to flourish and be released back into their environment.
With a $50 and above Gift, the SC Aquarium will send an Adoptive Parent a digital toolkit, an exclusive behind-the-scenes video about your animal, a social media graphic and a Facebook profile banner. You can share these with family and friends who will smile while seeing why the 110 million year old Sea Turtle is known as “earth’s ambassador”.
]]>Sea turtles are a group of endangered animals that live in the oceans. All of which is happening due to human negligence. People are using marine resources as if they are unlimited.
]]>Sea turtles are a group of endangered animals that live in the oceans. All of which is happening due to human negligence. People are using marine resources as if they are unlimited.
All seven species of sea turtles are endangered. Here are the most endangered sea turtles that we must persevere to protect:
The loggerhead sea turtle is a species of sea turtle found in the Atlantic Ocean along the southeastern seaboard, in the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean Seas. Loggerheads feed off jelly fish and listed as vulnerable due to the threats of extinction. Major threats to their population are entanglement in fishing gear, coastal development, human exploitation and plastic pollution as turtles mistakingly identifying floating plastic bags as edible jellyfish.
The smaller of the sea turtles at 30 inches in length with weight of up to 100 lbs, these coastal turtles prefer to eat crabs. Look for them in SC and the southeastern US along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Habitats with Al or sandy bottoms help them to more easily find prey. Famous for their huge crop nestings.
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is a critically endangered species. The turtle has a greenish-gray color with a leathery shell. It is named for the olive-colored ridges that run down its head and back. The main threats to the survival of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle are human activities such as fishing, coastal development, and pollution. They are also killed as bycatch by fishermen seeking other species.
Your purchase will go a long way to helping the turtles and helping you look great at the same time!
]]>For that reason, shopthelowcountry.com created Sea Turtle Clothing & Accessories to help people better understand what a great gift these endangered creatures truly are. Since no organization can address the whole problem of the ocean at once, we decided we would do this one-step-at-a-time.
]]>Shopthelowcountry.com is creating Sea Turtle Clothing and Accessories to help people better understand what a great gift these endangered creatures truly are. Since no organization can address the whole problem of the ocean at once, we decided to do this one-item-at-a-time.
Sea turtles are one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean. They are known for their cute and charming features. Most of the time these fascinating creatures are used as an inspiration to design accessories and other items for collections.
You can often see turtle toys for kids in the mall. There are sellers that even sell stickers and souvenirs in the shape of a sea turtle here and there. It really makes gifts that customers bought more meaningful. This marine animal is created humbly that's why it can melt your heart and will make you love them.
What many people don't know, however, is that sea turtles play a very important role in the health of our planet. They help to keep the ocean's ecosystem in balance by eating seagrass and algae. Sea turtles also play a crucial role in marine research because they can travel long distances and stay underwater for a long time.
Those who study the sea turtles use a variety of methods, but one method, in particular, is very effective. That method is tagging the sea turtle with a transmitter that emits low-frequency signals that travel underwater. A computer picks up on this signal and creates an accurate map based on the turtle's movements. The information received from studying these maps can help the experts create new ways to conserve and protect sea turtles.
]]>The ocean is the largest provider of oxygen in the world. It's estimated that the ocean produces about 90% of the oxygen we breathe. How? Through carbon dioxide and heat exchange.
]]>The ocean is the largest provider of oxygen in the world. It's estimated that the ocean produces about 90% of the oxygen we breathe. How? Through carbon dioxide and heat exchange.
The ocean is important for this reason as well because it ensures the survival of all living things on earth. It produces 50-80% of the world's oxygen, absorbs 30%-40% of all man-made carbon dioxide, and regulates the earth's temperature.
The ocean also helps to regulate the weather by absorbing heat and energy from the sun and then releasing it slowly over time. This helps to moderate the earth's temperature, which in turn helps to regulate the weather. The ocean also plays a role in creating and controlling storms. This is known as ocean currents. A good example of this can be found in the Gulf Stream, which travels up from the Caribbean to the North Atlantic Ocean where it warms the atmosphere and influences weather patterns on land.
The ocean provides us with an abundance of food. A source of seafood, it is very healthy, delicious and nutritious. Sustainability is important, so ask the source of the fish you buy. A source of plant life, it is a good source of fiber and nutrients. Yet, the ocean remains largely misunderstood and under-appreciated.
The ocean creates jobs. For example, the fishing industry employs millions of people globally. The tourism industry also relies heavily on the ocean, as people love to visit and explore the vast and beautiful oceans. Many careers are related to the ocean, such as marine biology, oceanography, and coastal engineering. So next time you go to the beach or look upon your beautiful oceanside view, remind yourself how this scenic beauty gives a sense of purpose for many people.
There are many things in the ocean that play an important part in keeping our planet healthy. All of the objects and creatures you see on the ocean, no matter how small or big, have their own purpose of existence which is to keep the balance of our beloved planet.
We need marine animals more than we could imagine. It is important to value, care and love them all the time and not only during Earth Day. If we do not continue to spread awareness, people will never learn and grow with an urgency to protect the ocean. Subsequently, every business and country will become a burden to our planet.
]]>Some people believe that clothes should be expensive and that the more expensive they are, the better the quality. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes you can find clothes that are high quality but don't cost a lot of money. Yes, like the ones you can buy from Shopthelowcountry.com
]]>Some people believe that clothes should be expensive and that the more expensive they are, the better the quality. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes you can find clothes that are high quality but don't cost a lot of money. Yes, like the ones you can buy from Shopthelowcountry.com
There are a lot of different opinions on what kind of clothes we should wear and how we should look. Those are the best clothes for you! But if you want to help the world, choose stuff made from eco-friendly materials.
Cotton is a natural fiber that is made from the seeds of cotton plants. It is one of the most widely used materials in the world for making clothes. Cotton is breathable, which makes it comfortable to wear in warm weather, and it is also durable and absorbent. It's a nice choice for a gift on all occasions. Most Shopthelowcountry.com shirts are 100% cotton.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum. It is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and can be dyed any color. Polyester is often used to make clothing because it is inexpensive and easy to care for. It can be blended with other fabrics like cotton to give garments a unique look and feel. Shopthelowcountry.com also offers a blend of cotton and polyester for most of its turtle T shirts.
Hemp is a fiber that is made from the stalk of the cannabis plant. It is durable, absorbent, and anti-microbial. Hemp fabric is often used to make products like T-shirts, pants, and other clothing items because it is comfortable to wear and helps to regulate body temperature. Hemp fabric is also environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable and does not require harsh chemicals to produce.
Linen is a fiber that is made from the stalk of the flax plant. It is strong, absorbent, and cool to the touch. Linen is eco-friendly and cheaper than other materials. It is a very flexible material that can be made into kitchen products up to professional suits. The material can be best crafted into mom products. It is very comfortable and light to wear.
]]>The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar niche that has a huge variety of influences on society. It is responsible for the production and marketing of clothing, accessories, and footwear.
]]>The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar niche that has a huge variety of influences on society. It is responsible for the production and marketing of clothing, accessories, and footwear.
But since global warming and climate change are getting to be more of a serious concern, many manufacturers are creating garments with more sensibility. One of the biggest problems with environmental issues is that it is actually a global problem, and each country needs to do its part to address it.
Shopthelowcountry.com is one of those who choose to join the movement. The organization is sells Clothing for a Cause. It is a great way to make a positive impact in your community and be fashionable.
]]>July 1, 2022 written by Mary Pringle Photos by Barbara Bergwerf, www.bergwerfgraphics.com
FB: Island Turtle Team IOP and Sullivan’s Island
2022 Season Update
The end of June has in the past been the middle point in nesting for our loggerheads. We got off to a good start in May with nine nests on our two islands combined. Then in June things picked up and now our total is 37. However, toward the end of June we have seen a slow down where instead of having one to several nests a day steadily, we are seeing more false crawls and a nest every few days. This seems to be happening at other SC beaches. So we really don’t know what to expect for July which is normally a busy month. At this date we are 12 nests ahead of 2021.
Remember that patrol ends on August 15. This means you have only about 6 or 7 more times to walk the beach looking for new tracks. But we encourage you to keep checking any existing nests until all hatchlings are gone in September or October if you enjoy being on the beach early in the morning. Big thanks to all of you who clean the beach as well as taking care of nests and finding tracks.
What to Look for When Checking Nests
As you know, team members check every nest in their section every time they go.
Here are some important things to know:
GHOST CRAB HOLES: Know the difference between a crab hole and the hole hatchlings leave when they come out. Ghost crab holes are perfectly round and there is usually a pile of sand outside of it. Take a picture and text it to us and wait at the nest for possible instructions. You may be asked to gently test the depth and direction of the burrow. You may get instructions about filling it up or leaving it alone. We may put a PVC trap behind the nest if there is a persistent problem
PRE-EMERGENCE CRATER: This can look like a round salad bowl was pushed down in the sand or a circular pattern of cracks inside the triangle. This means that the hatchlings have come out of their shells but are still underground. It can take about 3 days for them to come out. If you see this, please take a picture and text it to us.
POST-EMERGENCE CRATER: If you see a shallow irregularly shaped crater with no sand piled outside of it that can mean that the hatchlings have already come out. The presence of tiny hatchling tracks 2-3” wide coming from the nest will confirm it. Or the wind or rain might have erased their tracks during the night. It is so IMPORTANT that we know the date this happens so we can set the date for the nest inventory.
HATCHLINGS ON THE BEACH: If there are hatchlings on the beach, CALL immediately and stay with them to keep predators away. We will come immediately to help.
Can you see the emergence crater and hatchling tracks?
These two pictures show the difference between a false crawl where the turtle turned around without laying eggs and a nest where she created a large body pit and threw sand after she finished laying her eggs. Of course, we need you to CALL if you see tracks from either event because we need to come and document it. The most helpful thing you can do in either case is text a photo of the spot where she turned around (as in these) so we can get an idea of which it is when we are responding.
Terns and Plovers on IOP
As you are well aware if you patrol in Wild Dunes, the SC Department of Natural Resources under the direction of Mary Catherine Martin, has two roped off sections near 48th and 51st Avenues as well as some signs at Ocean Point to protect nesting least terns and Wilson’s plovers. Since they nest right on the sand in the heat of the summer sun, they are very vulnerable to disturbance which can kill the eggs or chicks. This has worked quite well with the valuable help from Diane Troy and Laura Lovins who are Turtle Team members and also Audubon Shorebird Stewards.
This seems to be working well in spite of constant challenges from human beachgoers and their dogs. If these tiny chicks can survive until fledging time in mid July, then all of this work will have paid off. The night of the July 4th fireworks on the beach is a particular concern.
If you patrol at 21st and 23rd Avenue section, you have seen the metal cages that we are using there to see if they might be more secure than our plastic screens. They are buried beneath the surface of the sand and also held down with long plastic tent stakes to deter coyotes and other digging predators.
DBT Sampling
Some of you have been finding 6-8” diamondback terrapins on the beach. These little terrapins are not sea turtles. They are marsh turtles who live in the salt water marshes behind Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms. Sometimes the current carries them through the inlets and out into the ocean and they wash back up on the beach, usually dead.
Dr. Brian Shamblin at the University of Georgia is starting to collect a database of DNA from the shells or eggs of these terrapins just as he has collected genetics samples from our sea turtles. If you find one on the beach, please call and we will come and get a sample. We have already done this 18 times.
Small Diamondback Terrapin with 6” Shell
More Reminders
We know these things may be repetitious, but they are so important and need to be said over and over again.
1. UPDATES: Remember to keep up with the season by checking the website above. Notices are sent to you by email about nests or inventories only when they happen in your section.
2. X TRACKS: If you find turtle tracks, look to see if there are X’s drawn across them. If so, it means that they have already been documented. Old tracks might be visible for days if there is not much wind or rain.
3. NEST CHECKING: Check ALL nests in your section each time. You are looking for crab holes, ant invasions, problems with the sign and sticks, sand buildup, sand erosion, or tidal wash overs. Feel free to stuff sticks in any crab holes outside the triangle.
4. HATCHING: Otherwise known as Emergence. Starting in July you should check nests that are due for these signs that something is happening: a circular crack or indentation over the egg chamber, a large irregularly shaped crater where the hatchlings came out (different from a round crab hole) and streaky hatchling tracks only a couple of inches wide going toward the surf.
Image of The Sustainability Institute and Shopthelowcountry.com LLC of Charleston at an event held at Brittlebank Park in Charleston, SC.
]]>Nearly 9 million tons of plastic waste pollutes the ocean each year according to a new report. ... A startling 8 million metric tons of that waste ends up in the ocean, equivalent to a dump truck full of plastic going into the ocean every minute of every day.
]]>What does that mean for the already endangered Sea Turtle who eats plastics, mistaking them for jellyfish? What about a Sea Turtle's ocean life "hitchikers" like barnacles, crustaceans and the fish who depend on the ancient, magnificent Sea Turtle to protect them from predators?
Image credit: Shopthelowcountry.com, The Sustainability Institute, SC Aquarium
]]>