Sunset Beach Turtle Watch

The mission of the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program (SSBTWP) is to record nesting sites, move nests that may be threatened by animals or water, record turtle hatches, and assist hatchlings as they attempt to reach the ocean. The turtle watch program is staffed by volunteers that walk the beach every morning, sit at nests when the hatchlings are ready to emerge, and conduct informational and educational programs. The informational programs - named "Turtle Time" - are free at 7 pm on Sunday evenings beginning in June and running during the nesting months at the Sunset Properties Parking lot - weather permitting. There is also a program on Wednesday at noon at Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach and a sea turtle exhibit at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle, N.C. Educational programs are available on request. 2009 Sea Turtle Hatchling on Sunset Beach

Loggerhead sea turtles are some of the most common visitors to the North Carolina Beaches. Although their population is more stable than that of other sea turtles, the Loggerhead is still considered a “threatened” species. This status grants protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Our busiest time of the year is the end of July through the end of August. This is when we have hatchling "boils" - a boil is when all of the hatchlings in a nest come out at the same time. There are usually over 100 hatchlings in the nest and it’s an impressive sight when they all emerge at the same time. The volunteers and visitors will dig a trough to the sea and the hatchlings will walk to the ocean. Volunteers must make sure that the hatchlings go toward the ocean - the hatchlings are attracted to light and are often confused by the porch lights at the oceanfront homes. The boils are a big event and are viewed by many visitors each year.