Loggerhead Sea Turtles are a threatened species. They are protected by federal, state, and local laws. Turtle nesting is from May 1 – October 31. Females nest above the beach high water mark. Do not disturb turtle nests. Hatchlings appear two months after eggs are laid and return to the sea. Do not touch hatchlings – this confuses their navigation and may lead to death. While survivors live over 100 years, fewer than one percent survive from nest to ocean. Turn off outdoor lights on beachfront properties after 10:00pm, from May 1 to October 31. You can find more information on “Lights Out” here.

Seabrook Island has a very active volunteer Turtle Patrol. Members patrol shoreline each day searching and caring for turtle nests. Obey posted signs and nest barriers.

Loggerhead Seat Turtle Resources:

• Lights Out
• Loggerhead Turtles on Seabrook Island Historical Nesting Data (Interactive) | 2022
• Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol