Sea Turtles: DeBordieu Hobcaw SCUTE

Turtle tracks where the femaile came in in, dug her nest, laid eggs, and then departed.

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest on South Carolina beaches May through October. S.C.U.T.E. which stands for South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts is one of 21 volunteer sea turtle protection projects along our coastline under the direction of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The 60 mile S.C.U.T.E. area extends from North Inlet in Georgetown County to North Myrtle Beach. The six miles of DeBordieu and Hobcaw beaches typically account for 40-50% of the nests in this area.


We had our first nest this morning on Hobcaw (photo)! Bill, substituting for Rolando, had a natural nest 75 yds. north of 15. He collected one egg for the DNA study. Let the turtling begin!


As you know, DeBordieu Real Estate is again sponsoring our program this season. Their funding has made it possible for us to have new mile markers on Hobcaw and each of us to have a new t-shirt. They have also provided us with a website to educate the public about our program and let everyone know on a daily basis what is happening with the nesting season here at DeBordieu and Hobcaw. There are some bugs yet to work out on the website but check it out at: http://www.debordieuscute.org/. Please try and carry a camera with you on your walks for photo opportunities. DeBordieu asked that we post a photo if possible with our Daily Updates.

Another feature of the website is tracking a tagged sea turtle. DeBordieu Real Estate also provided the funding for us to adopt a sea turtle from seaturtle.org. We are the proud parents of 'Salty', a 50+ year old loggerhead outfitted with satellite telemetry in May 2010 in Casey Key, FL. Follow her travels on our website! Now it will be so easy when people interested in our program want to know about our season....just refer them to http://www.debordieuscute.org/. Many thanks to DeBordieu Real Estate for their support! -Betsy Brabson

The turtle volunteers know when the eggs will hatch, so remain in touch for updates. You can plan on watching the baby turtles swim to sea.