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Sea Turtles in Georgia

Discover the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Georgia's most common sea turtle species. Weighing up to 300 lbs with distinct reddish-yellow color, these turtles nest on Georgia's barrier islands from May to August, laying around 120 eggs per nest. Threats to their survival include fisheries, habitat loss, and artificial lighting. Join conservation efforts to help protect these incredible creatures. Learn how you can make a difference and the ongoing recovery plans. For more information, visit the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division online.

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Sea Turtles in Georgia

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  1. Sea Turtles in Georgia Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division

  2. What is a Sea Turtle?

  3. Sea Turtles in Georgia

  4. Loggerhead Sea Turtle • Most Common Sea Turtle in Georgia • Large heads, reddish-yellow in color • Weigh upwards to 300 lbs. • Nest on all Georgia barrier Islands • Feed primarily on jellyfish, crabs, mollusks and snails

  5. The Amazing Journey The complex natural history of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

  6. The Amazing Journey Females lay their eggs from May through August

  7. The Amazing Journey Each nest contains approximately 120 ping-pong ball sized eggs. Females may nest up to 7 times each season (Average=4.1)

  8. The Amazing Journey Hatchlings emerge after sixty days of incubation The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature

  9. The Amazing Journey

  10. The Amazing Journey

  11. The Amazing Journey

  12. The Amazing Journey

  13. The Amazing Journey

  14. Threats - Pelagic Longline Fishery Mortality

  15. The Amazing Journey Juveniles return to Georgia after 8-10 years

  16. Threats - Shrimp Trawl Fishery

  17. Turtle Excluder Device

  18. Threats - Boat Strikes

  19. Threats - Over Harvest of Prey Species

  20. The Amazing Journey Return to nest in Georgia after 30-35 years at sea

  21. Threats - Loss of Nesting Habitat

  22. Threats - Artificial Lighting

  23. The Amazing Journey The amazing journey ends where it began

  24. Sea Turtle Management in Georgia Twelve sea turtle nesting projects in Georgia

  25. Loggerhead Nesting in Georgia, 1989-2003

  26. Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

  27. Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

  28. Protecting Sea Turtles

  29. Satellite Telemetry

  30. What does the future hold for Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Georgia? • The long-term data suggests a 1.2% annual decline in nesting over 30 years. • Recovery Plan requires 2,000 nests per year for 25 years. • Must continue to maximize reproductive success • Reduce threats associated with commercial fisheries • Recovery will require international effort

  31. How can you help? • Reduce beach lighting • Do not disturb nesting females • Do not litter • Be active (attend public meetings, write government officials, join conservation groups) • Volunteer

  32. For more information, visit the Wildlife Resources Division website: www.georgiawildlife.com

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