1. No category

CARETTA RESEARCH PROJECT
ANNUAL REPORT – 2014 SEASON
WASSAW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, GA
Prepared by:
Kristina Williams
Project Director
Joseph Pfaller
Research Coordinator
Caretta Research Project
Savannah Science Museum, Inc.
P.O. Box 9841
Savannah, GA 31412
912-447-8655
WassawCRP@aol.com
1. ABSTRACT
In 2014, the Caretta Research Project (CRP) recorded 122 nests and 71 false crawls from at least 51
individual loggerhead turtles. CRP also recorded two false crawls from at least one leatherback turtle and
one nest from an individual green turtle. For loggerheads, the average clutch size was 103.5 eggs and the
average incubation period was 58.0 days. Nest predation was minimal, with only 1 nest affected by ghost
crabs and four nests affected by fire ants. The overall hatching success was 76.6% and 8,379 hatchlings
emerged. Seven assistants and 83 volunteers participated in data collection and fieldwork.
2. INTRODUCTION
The Caretta Research Project (CRP) is a non-profit environmental organization created for the
conservation of loggerhead sea turtles in the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge (WNWR). Founded in
1972 by the Savannah Science Museum, CRP is now in its 42nd consecutive year of operation. The three
goals of CRP are: (1) to monitor the long-term population trends and nesting habits of loggerheads in the
WNWR, (2) to enhance the survival of eggs and hatchlings in an area where loss to predators and beach
erosion are historically high, and (3) to educate and involve the public in research and conservation efforts.
To date, CRP has recorded 1,388 individual turtles and successfully monitored 3,481 nests containing
406,500 eggs, ultimately releasing over 249,300 hatchlings. Additionally, CRP has involved over 3,000
volunteers in research and conservation.
3. METHODS AND MATERIALS
3.1 Nesting
3.1.1. Beach patrols
Nightly patrols were conducted from 10 May to 2 August to document all nesting turtle activities on
Wassaw Island. Two crews, each with one CRP staff member and up to 3 volunteers, systematically
patrolled the beach between 9PM and 7AM using Kawasaki Mules. Patrol intervals varied throughout the
night depending on tides, frequency of turtle activity, and weather conditions. If a turtle was encountered
during a patrol, care was taken not to disturb the turtle. Vehicles and flashlights were kept off and CRP
staff determined when crews could approach the turtle for data collection.
3.1.2. False crawls and nests
All crawls were documented and examined for evidence of egg deposition. If laying was not observed
and the presence of a body pit indicated the possibility of a nest, CRP staff initiated a search for the eggs.
If no eggs were found, the event was recorded as a ‘false crawl’. If laying was observed, a cord was
placed in the nest to locate the eggs after the female returned to the ocean. For each crawl, information
regarding date, time, and location were recorded. Locations were taken with respect to the nearest beach
marker and by GPS position.
3.1.3. Tagging
When encountered, each turtle was examined for and, if necessary, fitted with two external inconel tags
and one internal Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag. Inconel tags were located by visually
inspecting both front flippers and PIT tags were located by scanning the front flippers using a Destron-EX
pocket reader. If present, the tag numbers were recorded. If absent, inconel tags were applied to the
second or third proximal scute along the trailing edge of both front flippers and PIT tags were inserted
subcutaneously at the elbow of the right front flipper. The PIT tag was scanned before and after
application to ensure that it was functioning properly. All tag numbers and applicable data were sent to
the University of Florida, Gainesville, for inclusion into the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research
tagging database.
Tagging data was used to classify each turtle as a neophyte, remigrant, or immigrant. A neophyte is a
turtle that has not previously been tagged (although she may have nested before). Tagging neophytes
allows us to determine if the turtle is a remigrant or an immigrant during future nesting events. A
remigrant is a turtle that was originally tagged on Wassaw Island and continues to use Wassaw during
subsequent nesting attempts and nesting seasons. An immigrant is a turtle that was originally tagged on a
different nesting beach, but was observed nesting or attempting to nest on Wassaw. Turtles with tag scars
and no PIT tag could not be classified.
3.1.4. Morphometrics
For each turtle, curved carapace length (CCL) and width (CCW) were measured using a flexible,
fiberglass measuring tape. CCL was measured medially from the inner nuchal notch (anteriorly) to the
longest pygal tip (posteriorly) and CCW was measured at the maximum carapace width.
3.1.5. Nest relocation
Nests deposited above the spring tide line were left in situ. Nests deposited at or below the spring high
tide line were relocated within six hours of deposition. When relocated, eggs were carefully excavated,
counted, and placed in a 5-gallon bucket. Eggs broken by the female turtle or by CRP staff were
documented and discarded. At the base of the adjacent dune, a new egg chamber was dug by hand to
replicate the size, shape, and depth of the original nest. Eggs were carefully transferred into the new nest
and reburied. The locations of both in situ and relocated nest sites were recorded.
3.1.6. Nest protection
After egg deposition or relocation, two types of protective screening were placed over all nests: (1) 1.5’ X
1.5’ metal screen with 0.4” x 0.4” mesh and (2) 5’ X 4’ plastic screen with 2” X 3” mesh. Screens were
secured in place by pencil rods anchored at each corner of the larger screen. Reflective markers identified
the nest locations and plastic labels identified the nest number. Smaller screens were removed and
replaced with 0.4” x 0.4” mesh cones at 45 days of incubation in anticipation of hatching emergence.
Nests were monitored throughout the season for evidence of predation, tidal wash and beach erosion.
3.2. Hatching
3.2.1. Beach patrols
Dawn and dusk patrols were conducted from 2 August to 30 August to monitor nests for signs of
hatchling emergence and predation. Upon observing the first signs of hatchling emergence (e.g. distinct
depressions, empty eggshells in nest, hatching tracks, or live hatchlings), we recorded the date and
allowed time for secondary emergences. Nests that showed signs of fire ant infestation were inventoried
immediately. Nests that were either fully or partially predated by raccoons or foxes were recorded and the
extent of predation was estimated by counting eggshells scattered around the nest.
3.2.2. Nest inventories
All nests were inventoried within 5 days of emergence or after 70 days of incubation for nests in which
hatchling emergence was never observed. Nest inventories involved excavating all nest contents, then
counting the number of live and dead hatchlings, empty eggshells, and unhatched eggs. Live hatchlings
found at night were immediately released to crawl to the ocean, while live hatchlings found during the day
were retained and released the following night. Live unhatched or pipped eggs were retained until
subsequent emergence and release. All unhatched eggs were dissected to determine the percentage of
embryonic development that was completed prior to termination.
Nest inventories were conducted to quantify the hatching and emergence success of each nest. Hatching
success was calculated by dividing the number of hatched eggs by the total number of eggs in each nest
(multiplied by 100). For nests with known clutch sizes, the number of hatched eggs was determined by
subtracting the number of unhatched eggs (including dead pipped eggs) from the total number of eggs.
For nests with unknown clutch sizes, the number of hatched eggs was estimated by counting the eggshells
(fragment size 50% or greater) found in the nest, while the total number of eggs was determined by
adding the number of eggshells and the number of unhatched eggs. Release rate was calculated by
subtracting the number of dead hatchlings from both within the nest and found predated outside the nest
from the number of hatched eggs, then dividing by the total number of eggs (multiplied by 100).
Incubation periods of each nest were determined based on the number of days between egg deposition and
first hatchling emergence.
3.3. Strandings
All turtles (dead or alive) found stranded on Wassaw Island were photographed and reported to the Sea
Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) based in Miami, FL. We reported the species, location,
size (CCL, CCW, straight CL, and straight CW), condition, and probable cause of death (estimated via
necropsy by CRP staff). After examination, a large red “X” was spray-painted on the carapace of the
turtle before moving it into the dunes. Complete reports were forwarded to the Georgia Department of
Natural Resources.
3.4. Additional procedures – Collaborations
3.4.1. Daniel B. Warner School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia – Dr. Brian
Shamblin
For the 8th year, we collected skin biopsies and eggshell samples from each female and each nest,
respectively. Skin biopsies were collected between the neck and right front flipper using a 6mm biopsy
punch and placed in 95% ethanol. The eggshell from one egg in each nest was collected and placed in
95% ethanol. Egg contents were saved for Dr. Vander Zanden’s study (see below).
3.4.2. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Dr. Hannah Vander Zanden
Additional skin biopsies were collected from nesting females and yolk samples were collected from the
eggs sacrificed for Shamblin’s study. Samples of yolk were stored in ethanol and albumin samples were
frozen.
3.4.2. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Joe Pfaller
Head size (length, width and depth) was measured for all adult females that were encountered and for 10
randomly selected hatchlings from two sets of 10 nests laid at the beginning (late May) and middle (late
June) of the nesting season.
3.4.4. Armstrong Atlantic State University - Kathryn Craven
Fresh eggs were caught during deposition using sterile gloves and placed into bags and frozen.
4. RESULTS
4.1. Loggerhead nesting
4.1.1. False crawls and nests
We recorded 122 nests and 71 false crawls. The first nest was deposited on 15 May and the last on
August 4. Nesting activity peaked in June and July (52 each month) (Fig. 1) and was distributed across
the island (Fig. 2). Of the 122 nests, 67 were left in situ (55.0%) and 55 were relocated (45.0%)
(Appendix C). Crawl success was 63.21%.
60
Nests
False crawls
50
40
30
20
10
0
May
June
July
August
Figure 1. Histogram showing the monthly distribution of nests and false crawls on Wassaw Island.
Figure 2. Histogram showing the distribution of loggerhead nests and false crawls on Wassaw Island.
Letters correspond to the sectors of the beach between each U.S. Fish & Wildlife sign located at every
five dune posts.
4.1.2. Individual turtles
We recorded 51 individual turtles: 31 neophytes (60.8%), 18 remigrants (35.3%), and two immigrants
(3.9%) (Appendix A). Five remigrant turtles were identified solely by their PIT tags.
Of the 122 loggerhead nests, 61 (50.0%) were deposited by 17 remigrants, 40 (32.8%) were deposited by
26 neophytes, 5 (4.1%) were deposited by two immigrants, 16 (13.1%) were deposited by females that
were not observed nesting (i.e. ‘missed nests’). We recorded 6 turtles that were not observed depositing a
nest (false crawls only) and 20 turtles that deposited only one nest. Twenty-five turtles deposited more
than one nest, resulting in a mean clutch frequency of 3.4 nests per female (range=2-6 nests). The
observed internesting interval for these females ranged from 10-55 days, with a mean interval of 15.4
days.
Of the 18 remigrants recorded, 12 were recorded on Wassaw Island in one previous season, three in two
previous seasons, one in three previous seasons, one in five previous seasons, and one in eight previous
seasons. The mean remigration interval was 4.1 years (range=2-8 years). The female who has been
nesting for 8 previous seasons was first tagged on Wassaw as a neophyte in 1995. Since then, she has
deposited 34 nests containing 4,094 eggs, releasing ~3,528 hatchlings into the ocean.
Three turtles originally tagged on Wassaw Island were sighted elsewhere. Two turtles originally tagged
on Wassaw Island in 2010 and 2011 nested on Jekyll Island in July, and the third, originally tagged on
Wassaw in 2008, false crawled on Fripp Island, SC in July. Additionally, two immigrant turtles originally
tagged on Blackbeard Island nested on Wassaw this year.
4.2. Loggerhead hatching
4.2.1. Nests and eggs
Within 122 nests, we recorded approximately 12,512 eggs. The mean clutch size was 103.5 eggs per nest
(range=5-148 eggs per nest; N=121) (Appendix C). The overall mean hatching success was 76.6%
(range=0-99.2%; N=121 nests). The mean hatching success was 77.8% for in situ nests (range=0-99.2%;
N=67 nests) and 75.1% for relocated nests (range=0-99.2%; N=55 nests). The mean emergence rate was
66.9%. Overall mean incubation time was 58.0 days (range=50-70 days; N=58 nests). The mean
incubation period was 58.6 days for in situ nests (range=52-70 days; N=30 nests) and 57.4 days for
relocated nests (range=50-65; N=28 nests).
4.2.2. Nest and egg loss
Two nests were washed away completely by high tides and five nests were washed over this year. One of
these nests was in situ and no egg count was recorded. There was no sign of egg predation by fox and
raccoons, thanks to the new plastic coated screening. One nest lost 4 eggs to ghost crab predation. One
hundred and twenty four hatchlings from four nests were consumed by fire ants. No nests were lost to
human tampering.
Thirty six broken eggs were encountered this season: 30 were broken by turtles while covering their nests
and 6 were broken by CRP staff while probing for eggs. An additional 132 eggs were collected for
collaborative research studies (see Collaborations section).
4.3. Nesting and hatching for other sea turtles species
4.3.1. Green turtle nest
We encountered one neophyte green turtle (Chelonia mydas) depositing one nest. The nest was left in situ
and contained 120 eggs, 108 of which hatched, for a hatching success of 90.0%.
4.3.2. Leatherback false crawls
We documented two false crawls by leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). One occurred the night
before we started patrolling and was missed. The other was from a neophyte, which was encountered and
tagged. This turtle later nested on Sea Island, GA in June.
4.4. Strandings
Six individual turtles were found stranded. Three juvenile loggerheads and one juvenile Kemp’s ridley
(Lepidochelys kempii) were found dead, but the cause of death was unknown. One adult male loggerhead
was found dead with a catastrophic injury caused by a recreational boat. One adult male leatherback was
found dead and all evidence suggests that it was drowned in a shrimp trawler.
4.5. Collaborations
4.5.1. Daniel B. Warner School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia – Dr. Brian
Shamblin
We collected skin biopsies and eggshells from 48 individual loggerheads and 122 loggerhead eggs,
respectively. These samples will be used to assess the genetic population structure of the loggerhead
nesting population in the southeastern US. In addition, DNA extracted from the eggshells of missed nests
can be used to match those nests with previously sampled females.
4.5.2. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Dr. Hannah Vander Zanden
We collected skin biopsies and egg components (yolk and albumin) from 48 individual loggerheads and
122 loggerhead eggs, respectively. These samples will be used in stable isotope analyses to determine (1)
the foraging strategies of nesting loggerheads and (2) the transfer of isotopes between adult females and
egg contents.
4.5.3. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida – Joe Pfaller
We collected head size measurements for 44 adult turtles and 169 hatchlings from 17 different nests.
These data will be used in combination with stable isotope analyses to determine the factors that affect
variation in head size (i.e., body size, foraging ground location and trophic position).
4.5.4. Armstrong Atlantic State University - Dr. Kathryn Craven
Ten eggs were collected from nests to further determine the species of fungus and bacteria that affect
hatching success in loggerhead sea turtle nests.
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The staff and Board of the Caretta Research Project would like to thank the following people and
institutions for their support and assistance during the 2014 season:
 2014 Leaders and Assistants: Terri Collins, Michael Frick, Jason Fuller, Debbi Hanibal, Darnice
Pettigrew, Jamie Price and Cody Struthers.
 Chris Carroll for support on and off the island.
 Beth Betbeze, Lillian Powell, Angie Sheets and members of the Wassaw Island LLC for their support,
which makes this project possible.
 Jane Griess, Chuck Hayes, Peter Range and USFWS personnel for assistance with permits and
continued support.
 Mark Dodd and GADNR personnel for permits and support throughout the season.
 Peter Eliazar, Karen Bjorndal and the University of Florida for supporting and coordinating the
Tagging Database at the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research.
 All of the Boat Captains for providing transportation for our research crews and volunteers: Mr. and
Mrs. Kelly Bouchillon, Mr. Chris Carroll, Dr. and Mrs. Fabienne Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. Rolfe
Glover IV, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Grainey, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Gussler, Mr. and Mrs. Gabe Pitt, Mr.
and Mrs. Joe Powers, Ms. Kathleen Ramee Pitt, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ramee, Mr. and Mrs. Al
Townsend, and Drs. Chris Walls and Melissa Cobbs, Mr. Landon Walls.
 2014 Volunteers: Aimee Becker, Michele Block, Emma Bouchillon, Kelly Bouchillon, Sarah Mac
Bowman, Darin Brubaker, Garnett Bryant, Olivia Buelvas, Adam Byck, David Cahoon, Jessie
Cahoon, Brittany Campbell, Ian Chamberlain, Robert Chamberlain, Isaiah Chisholm, Terri Collins,
Glynis Cooney, Joan Cox, Caitlin Crews, Marie Dent, Nolan Doyle, Donna Edwards, Jennifer Erhardt,
Clark Evans, Kai Everard, Katie Fasnacht, Leigh Funk, Beth Garrett, Sarah Glover, Dorothy Green,
Catherine Gussler, Caroline Gussler, Walker Gussler, Laurel Harman, Carole Hart, Cord Helmken,
Helen Iocovozzi, Kim Iocovozzi, Hakon Jones, Loretta Kane, Roy Kane, Ryan Khan, Sarah Landa,
Naudain Machen, Julie McCall, Peggy McCloskey, Gina McCullough, Jordan Moller, Lindsay Moller,
Kris Morris, Jim Olsen, Susan Owens, Melissa Painter, Mathew Parrish, Christine Parsons, Ryan
Pittman, Sherri Pittman, Jamie Queen, Kathleen Ramee, Anna Robertson, Kameron Sallee, Ruth
Sappie, Amy Schuler, Taylor Shook, Meghan Smith, Tyrus Smith, Elizabeth Southard, Cody Struthers,
Caroline Szczecinski, William Szczecinski, Michaella Taylor, Jessica Timms, Becky Troth, Reagan
Tutwiler, Anita Vanbrackle, Bethany Voyles, Jackson Walls, Landon Walls, Tristan Walls, Jzsanettae
Webster, Melynda Wieters, Woodie Williams, David Wright.
 The many individuals who have donated time, money and supplies to the CRP.
 Mr. Dave Cahoon and Mr. Frances Becker for fixing and maintaining our Mules.
 Kennesaw State University for donating a Cushman and a Yeti cooler.
 Mr. Jim Olsen for 5 rolls of awesome nest screening, small screens, nest tags, and batteries.
 Mrs. Loretta Kane for the donation of two GPS units.
 Delegal Creek Marina and Landings Harbor Marina for use of marina facilities throughout the season.
 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for helping with vehicle transport on and off the island.
 Grants/Corporate Contributions: Anderson-Rogers Foundation, Colonial Foundation, Inc.,
Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation, Inc., DIRTT
Environmental Solutions, Inc., Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power, Guerry Beam Fund, Hunter
Foundation J.C. Lewis Foundation, Jolly Foundation, P. Twenty One Foundation, Piper Jaffray
Matching Gifts Program, Publix Super Markets Charities, Savannah Community Foundation, Inc.,
Savannah Presbytery Ecology Fund, Schwab Charitable Fund, Shared Earth Foundation, Southern
States Educational Foundation, St. Thomas Thrift Store, Sweetgrass Foundation, Inc., and Waterfall
Foundation, Inc.
APPENDIX A – 2014 INDIVIDUAL TURTLES
TURTLE
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
STATUS
Neophyte
Remigrant
Remigrant
Remigrant
Remigrant
Remigrant
Neophyte
Remigrant
Remigrant
Immigrant
Neophyte
Remigrant
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Remigrant
Remigrant
Remigrant
Neophyte
Remigrant
Remigrant
Neophyte
Remigrant
Remigrant
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Remigrant
Remigrant
Neophyte
Neophyte
Remigrant
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Neophyte
Immigrant
Neophyte
Neophyte
NEO #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
RF TAG
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
OLD
OLD
NEW
OLD
OLD
OLD
NEW
RF TAG
#
EEK 853
SSX 292
EEK 877
EEK 754
SSK 673
BBN 202
EEK 861
YYZ 508
YYZ 443
BBN 171
EEK 803
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
EEK 808
BBN 239
EEZ 576
EEZ 580
EEK 751
EEK 868
EEK 864
EEK 880
EEK 883
EEK 885
EEK 895
YYZ 352
EEZ 681
EEK 891
EEK 755
EEK 894
EEZ 685
EEZ 695
EEK 896
EEZ 691
EEZ 687
OLD
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
YYZ 558
EEZ 615
EEZ 616
YYP 862
EEZ 624
EEZ 682
EEK 897
EEZ 676
EEZ 686
EEZ 626
EEZ 628
EEZ 700
EEZ 613
EEZ 629
EEZ 578
EEZ 698
YYY 145
EEK 814
EEZ 614
LF TAG
LF TAG
#
PIT
TAG
PIT TAG #
OLD
OLD
NEW
OLD
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
YYZ 511
YYZ 506
EEK 757
SSK 412
BBN 213
EEK 865
EEK 862
EEK 804
EEK 852
EEK 879
YYP 847
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
EEK 881
EEK 866
EEK 863
BBN 222
EEZ 579
EEK 867
EEK 878
YYP 837
EEK 898
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
EEK 577
EEZ 683
EEK 889
EEZ 627
NEW
OLD
OLD
OLD
OLD
NEW
OLD
OLD
OLD
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
OLD
OLD
OLD
OLD
OLD
NEW
OLD
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
989.001001239158
407B4C2373
446A6D4313
407B143806
4A40343559
989.001001237982
4A2F010225
4466520F33
452C70161C
989.001001239174
4B1161554D
989.001001239254
989.001001237990
989.001001238047
407B396308
4B1125664A
4B12275477
989.001001239158
4453166844
4A1C046322
989.001001238048
442D063921
4A1B0B2F60
989.001001238046
989.001001239185
989.001001238117
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
EEK 900
EEZ 684
EEZ 696
EEZ 690
EEZ 694
EEZ 631
EEZ 699
EEZ 607
EEZ 618
YYZ 383
EEZ 605
EEZ 689
EEK 899
EEK 893
EEZ 678
EEZ 610
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
989.001001238120
989.001001238054
989.001001238107
989.001001238132
989.001001238140
4453440E7A
989.001001237957
989.001001239195
OLD
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
4A5F587F1C
989.001001238192
989.001001238110
did not register
989.001001238109
989.001001238084
989.001001238082
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
EEK 892
EEZ 623
EEZ 632
EEZ 601
EEK 884
EEZ 608
EEZ 679
EEZ 619
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
OLD
NEW
NEW
989.001001238092
989.001001238121
989.001001238022
989.001001238029
989.001001238064
4A0E037A17
989.001001239248
989.001001238094
NOTES
LEATHERBACK!!
989.001001239155
GREEN!!
APPENDIX B
Loggerhead Activity on Wassaw Island 1973-2014
* Patrols did not cover the entire nesting season 1973-1977
** Crawl Success=(# nests/# crawls)X100
***One nest composed of 5 abnormal eggs is included
YEAR
TURTLES
NEOPHYTES
CRAWLS
NESTS
FALSE
CRAWLS
**CRAWL
SUCCESS (%)
1973*
1974*
1975*
1976*
1977*
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991***
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
25
49
40
47
44
52
56
44
54
52
49
47
60
43
23
30
35
46
53
52
18
55
39
63
25
42
69
60
38
38
59
20
65
60
43
70
63
86
93
101
112
51
25
46
36
40
38
35
34
30
36
39
34
31
46
27
18
19
20
35
41
38
12
38
40
9
20
35
41
23
22
28
12
31
29
25
36
36
50
61
68
66
31
82
116
135
157
247
186
160
112
163
158
133
139
116
135
55
90
126
166
170
140
58
185
185
230
101
118
289
143
126
91
221
71
233
266
202
275
234
352
323
541
452
193
35
61
56
51
76
65
55
51
75
65
61
71
66
47
23
43
43
60
77
80
28
105
80
135
60
69
125
82
74
56
115
37
104
141
63
120
91
159
165
138
250
122
47
55
79
106
171
121
105
61
88
93
72
68
50
88
32
47
83
106
93
60
30
80
105
95
41
49
164
61
52
35
106
34
129
125
139
155
143
193
158
403
202
71
42.68
52.59
41.48
32.48
30.77
34.95
34.38
45.54
46.01
41.14
45.86
51.08
56.90
34.81
41.82
47.78
34.13
36.14
45.29
57.14
48.28
56.76
43.24
58.70
59.41
58.47
43.25
57.34
58.73
61.54
52.04
52.11
44.64
53.01
31.19
43.64
38.89
45.17
50.62
25.51
55.31
63.21
TOTAL
2,171
1,381
7,675
3,480
4,195
45.34
APPENDIX C: 2014 Nest Summary for Wassaw Island
NEST #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
NEST
LOCATION
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
in situ
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
relocated
in situ
relocated
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
IN SITU
IN SITU
IN SITU
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
in situ
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
INCUBATIO
N (Days)
63
68
70
65
57
60
61
63
60
58
52
58
64
64
55
57
60
59
70
59
54
56
56
57
63
52
57
52
55
57
57
57
57
55
62
55
54
60
56
59
50
58
57
57
57
57
57
TOTAL #
EGGS
5
118
140
148
128
129
126
77
122
97
98
102
146
121
115
94
137
29
19
134
142
137
131
112
118
131
131
83
100
92
111
108
132
131
80
146
123
110
98
114
102
101
134
146
99
114
97
96
94
100
#
HATCHED
0
52
100
128
97
90
113
68
116
96
81
90
92
120
92
89
90
25
12
109
119
126
114
102
111
130
123
75
84
79
101
100
116
127
33
141
48
106
77
108
25
99
118
56
28
105
91
94
90
89
%SUCCESS
0.00%
44.07%
71.43%
86.49%
75.78%
69.77%
89.68%
88.31%
95.08%
98.97%
82.65%
88.24%
63.01%
99.17%
80.00%
94.68%
65.69%
86.21%
63.16%
81.34%
83.80%
91.97%
87.02%
91.07%
94.07%
99.24%
93.89%
90.36%
84.00%
85.87%
90.99%
92.59%
87.88%
96.95%
41.25%
96.58%
39.02%
96.36%
78.57%
94.74%
24.51%
98.02%
88.06%
38.36%
28.28%
92.11%
93.81%
97.92%
95.74%
89.00%
NOTES
Fire Ant Predation
Washed Over
Ghost crab Predation
Fire Ant Predation
Washed Over
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
in situ
relocated
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
relocated
iin situ
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
relocated
in situ
in situ
62
56
54
55
58
57
56
57
56
57
51
73
82
120
unknown
104
129
83
111
105
104
123
116
132
104
98
100
97
95
112
86
109
112
93
77
84
77
140
114
105
86
103
89
98
135
114
112
132
112
118
124
104
38
115
79
98
102
79
25
99
84
78
75
108
107
39
79
108
0
95
1
40
93
98
95
117
0
126
79
79
98
78
25
63
59
105
88
81
72
79
48
0
102
96
83
85
74
63
131
103
107
118
103
108
113
58
34
106
25
43
85
76
21
74
68
63
70
89
86
53.42%
96.34%
90.00%
0.00%
91.35%
0.78%
48.19%
83.78%
93.33%
91.35%
95.12%
0.00%
95.45%
75.96%
80.61%
98.00%
80.41%
26.32%
56.25%
68.60%
96.33%
78.57%
87.10%
93.51%
94.05%
62.34%
0.00%
89.47%
91.43%
96.51%
82.52%
83.15%
64.29%
97.04%
90.35%
95.54%
89.39%
91.96%
91.53%
91.13%
55.77%
89.47%
92.17%
31.65%
43.88%
83.33%
96.20%
84.00%
74.75%
80.95%
80.77%
93.33%
82.41%
80.37%
Washed Out
Washed Out
Washed Over
Fire Ant Predation
Washed Over
Washed Over
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
TOTALS
in situ
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
relocated
in situ
relocated
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
in situ
in situ
relocated
58.0
104
34
120
125
122
98
107
114
121
112
97
76
114
86
93
85
75
74
83
12,512
29
27
108
101
105
89
97
103
111
86
86
66
1
58
89
44
61
74
5
9,736
27.88%
79.41%
90.00%
80.80%
86.07%
90.82%
90.65%
90.35%
91.74%
76.79%
88.66%
86.84%
0.88%
67.44%
95.70%
51.76%
82.43%
98.67%
6.02%
76.55%
Fire Ant Predation