Loggerhead Sea Turtle Genetics Project

Hi all - I am sharing the following information about the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Genetics Project.  The Waties Island Sea Turtle Monitoring Program, associated to the SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program, has participated in the multi-state project along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the North Carolina Wildlife and Resources Commission and the University of Georgia to answer several basic loggerhead sea turtle nesting questions. The answers to these questions will help biologists better understand the status of the loggerhead population. Currently, the actual number of loggerhead sea turtles that nest in South Carolina is not known. This project uses DNA genetic fingerprinting (CSI for sea turtles) to identify individual loggerhead nesting females, how many nests they are laying each year, and how long they go in between nesting years. This information will provide a much more accurate census of the actual nesting population. 

The Waties Island Sea Turtle Monitoring Program volunteers do their part for this genetic project by collecting a DNA sample (eggshell from each nest) which is sent to the University of Georgia for analysis.  This project was funded by a grant from NOAA fisheries since 2010.  NOAA Fisheries has moved their focus from the sea turtle to the Atlantic Sturgeon, so hoping that sea turtle lovers may wish to contribute to this cause.  Information for donations are noted on the flyer.  (This information posted under SCDNR MTP 500.)