Storm at Sea: How did Hilton Head Island’s Sea Turtles Weather Tropical Storm Debbie?
On Hilton Head Island this season, the sea turtles have had to contend with more than just their everyday struggles. The recent tropical storm, Debbie, posed additional hurdles for these low-on-the-totem-pole survivors. However, despite fears that the storm could prove catastrophic for these endangered creatures, they seem to have weathered it remarkably well.
The Sea Turtles of Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island sees an annual influx of nesting turtles, adding an exciting twist to local wildlife biodiversity. As of this writing, the Island reports 195 sea turtle nests. Notably, this is lower than usual – a fact that sparked concerns even before Tropical Storm Debbie made the scene.
The Impact of Debbie on the Nesting Turtles
Tropical Storm Debbie threw an additional wrench into the works – intensifying fears that the already threatened sea turtles would face increased peril from storm conditions. However, the sea turtles appear to have rallied against the storm better than expected.
While Debbie has wreaked havoc across Hilton Head Island, the impact on the turtle nests has, miraculously, been quite minimal. In fact, only one nest was lost to the storm. Naturally, though, there is some uncertainty regarding the storm’s long-term impacts on the Island’s tiny turtle populace.
Concerns around Flooding
Beneath the apparent calm, a more subtle concern lurks. The extensive rain brought about by the storm can inundate nests that are largely found in sandy areas. These nests need a dry environment for successful hatching because gas needs to escape from the egg chamber. Hence, any standing water in the nest could be fatal.
“It’s nature doing its thing,” expresses a local turtle patrol team. “We can only do so much to control human influence, but you just can’t manage what nature has in store.”
Looking Ahead
Sea turtle season in the region typically runs through September, meaning the little warriors are not entirely out of the woods yet. At present, seventy-four nests have hatched successfully, while there are still an estimated 120 nests awaiting their turn. For now, the hope is that they all survive this storm season and embark on the journey to the sea.
If you are interested in knowing more about sea turtles and their fascinating lives, it’s always a great idea to check out resources and websites dedicated to their conservation!
