Hurricane Erin’s Impact on Sea Turtle Nests in North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina, September 9, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Erin has significantly affected sea turtle nests along North Carolina’s coastline, presenting both challenges and opportunities for hatchling success. While many nests were damaged or lost, volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue hatchlings. Despite the storm’s impact on nesting conditions, expert optimism remains regarding hatchling production rates as the nesting season progresses, highlighting the resilience of sea turtles.

Wilmington, North Carolina – The impact of Hurricane Erin on sea turtle nests along North Carolina’s coastline has been significant, with both positive and negative outcomes observed in the aftermath of the storm. The nesting and hatching season for sea turtles, which lasts from early May to mid-November, has been challenged, but experts remain optimistic about hatchling production rates despite the disruption caused by the hurricane.

The hurricane, which began impacting the region on August 19, caused coastal flooding and rough seas that affected numerous sea turtle nests. Reports indicate that as of mid-August, approximately half of the total sea turtle nests in North Carolina had completed their incubation period before the storm struck. However, many nests were subsequently inundated or overwashed due to the hurricane conditions.

Ocean Isle Beach volunteers played a crucial role in rescuing hatchlings from submerged nests during the storm. They, along with other organizations, worked diligently to assess the condition of nests, especially those that experienced overwash. A hatchling was successfully released at Hammocks Beach State Park on August 25, demonstrating that some nests were able to yield viable hatchlings even amidst the challenging conditions.

In total, over 20 groups across the state monitored sea turtle nesting activities, with notable observations from various regions. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore lost 35 nests, while 72 out of 109 assessed nests were reported overwashed. The Cape Lookout National Seashore experienced losses as well, with 49 nests lost but 69 remaining intact post-storm. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center noted that approximately half of their monitored nests hatched before high tides impacted the beaches.

Despite these losses, many sea turtles showed resilience—their natural ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions has been demonstrated throughout their history. Loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, and hawksbill sea turtles inhabit North Carolina’s beaches, making it a vital area for nesting.

Monitoring efforts continue as the nesting season progresses, with organizations like the N.C. Sea Turtle Project collaborating with government and volunteer groups to ensure the ongoing assessment of nest conditions. Each season, turtles typically return to nest multiple times, and egg incubation generally takes about 55 days. Excavation and monitoring of nests are permitted after a minimum of three days post-hatching or with permission if a nest is unsuccessful.

The total count of nests that were negatively impacted or lost due to Hurricane Erin will be determined at the end of the nesting season. While some areas experienced significant erosion and losses, others such as the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol reported a success rate with 13 of their 23 nests hatching prior to the storm’s arrival. A notable discovery at a Hammocks Beach nest recorded 155 eggs, with 80 having hatched and 37 live hatchlings released post-storm.

Audubon North Carolina is actively monitoring nests on Lea-Hutaff Island with reports of 15 out of 26 nests still incubating when Hurricane Erin swept through. The Masonboro Island Reserve documented 40 nests initially, with 17 already hatched by the time the storm hit. Although the hurricane waves impacted low-lying areas of the island, the overall outlook for hatchling production remains hopeful for the remainder of the season.

Key Observations from Hurricane Erin’s Impact on Sea Turtles:

• Hurricane Erin caused significant flooding from August 19 onwards, affecting several sea turtle nests.
• Approximately half of the nests in North Carolina had already completed incubation before the storm’s impact.
• Volunteers have been actively involved in rescuing and monitoring hatchlings.
• The nesting and hatching season remains critically monitored through various conservation groups.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Spotted in Outer Banks Amid Nest Destruction
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Coastal Flooding Along East Coast
Lucky Duck: The Resilience of a Sea Turtle in Recovery
Wild Horse Guards Endangered Sea Turtle Nest in Corolla
North Carolina’s Sea Turtles Begin Nesting Season
Outer Banks Reports First Sea Turtle Nest of the Season
First Sea Turtle Nest of the Season Discovered in Outer Banks
Outer Banks Celebrates Record Year of Over 19,000 Baby Sea Turtles Hatching
Remarkable Discovery on the Outer Banks: Two Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests Found!

Additional Resources

• The Coastland Times
• ABC News
• Spectrum Local News
• Star News Online
• ABC11
• Wikipedia: Sea Turtle
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin impact on sea turtles
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin sea turtle nests
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sea Turtle
• Google News: Hurricane Erin sea turtles

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