Waties Island Sea Turtles Monitoring Program 2026: Saturday, August 1- PN 02 becomes Nest 15R

A different day, a fresh new month, and a new nest!

We ended July disappointed that the daily team was unable to locate the egg cavity within the body pit discovered yesterday. Yet, we remained optimistic the nest was there. And just like that, we turn the page on the calendar, and the nest chamber was located and managed today by the Saturday team. It takes a village!

This momma presented yesterday with a 28” crawl and left two potential areas where the eggs could be located. When the nest chamber was unable to be located, the area was designated PN 2, with the hope that further investigation would yield better results with the next patrol.

With some additional clarity gained through reviewing expanded photos and much determination, the nest that eluded us yesterday was located today, much to the relief of all.

Because of the nest’s location far up the island where the high tide often overwashes much of the beach, it was decided the nest should be relocated to a more suitable location mid-island. Sixty-three eggs were excavated by the Saturday team and carried to their new home in a safer area.

Corey and Cherie slowly and carefully, maintain the egg’s original nest orientation as they are loaded into the bucket to prevent the embryo from shifting and tearing its embryonic membrane. Jackie maintains an accurate count.

A replacement nest was dug by Betsy and Cherie, and the eggs are just as carefully placed in their new home. One egg is emptied and its shell preserved for DNA study of our nesting momma. Sleep well and grow strong little ones. See ya in 60 days or so.