Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program (SSBTWP) is a nonprofit program, monitors sea turtle nesting. **This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Sunset Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 21ST04).** The mission of the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program (SSBTWP) is to record nesting sites, move nests that may be threatened by animals or water, record turtle h
atches, and assist hatchlings as they attempt to reach the ocean. The turtle watch program is staffed by volunteers that walk the beach every morning, sit at nests when the hatchlings are ready to emerge, and conduct informational and educational programs. The informational programs - named "Turtle Time" - are free at 7 pm on Sunday evenings beginning in June and running during the nesting months at the Sunset Properties Parking lot - weather permitting. Although their population is more stable than that of other sea turtles, the Loggerhead is still considered a “threatened” species. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Our busiest time of the year is the end of July through the end of August. This is when we have hatchling "boils" - a boil is when all of the hatchlings in a nest come out at the same time. There are usually over 100 hatchlings in the nest and it’s an impressive sight when they all emerge at the same time. The volunteers and visitors will dig a trough to the sea and the hatchlings will walk to the ocean. Volunteers must make sure that the hatchlings go toward the ocean - the hatchlings are attracted to light and are often confused by the porch lights at the oceanfront homes. The boils are a big event and are viewed by many visitors each year. This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Sunset Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 21ST04). EMERGENCY
**CALL or TEXT: Sunset Beach Turtle Watch - (910) 209-1079 or Sunset Beach Police Department - (910) 579-6297**
If you see any sea turtle activity on Sunset Beach day or night, (turtle tracks, nesting turtles, hatchlings, hooked turtles, deceased turtles, people disturbing the nests, etc...) please contact us immediately! We are the only permitted program from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to care for, protect and transport sea turtles on our beach! If you see a nesting turtle, please stand back a minimum of 25 feet, do not shine lights on her, do not use flash photography, stay quiet, and hopefully, you will witness her lay a nest! Please contact us so we can come out and mark the nest and complete some data and research for the state to help protect them. Thank you for your assistance!
