Fripp Island Turtle

Fripp Island Turtle

Turtle Nest Protection Program

15 Nests as of July 1st
"Click" here for details & pictures

Welcome to the Fripp Island Loggerhead Patrol Web Site. Exploring our site should illustrate what we do and why we do it. Start by reading about Dr. Archie Carr. The man responsible for most of what is known about the biology and life cycle of sea turtles.		Just before dusk on June 16, 2008, the Amerson family had the rare opportunity to witness this nesting loggerhead at the north end of Fripp Island. . Waiting for her to finish digging before approaching they watched as she dropped 113 eggs. Our thanks to Michael for the great video.
View the pictures from July 11,2003 when an Injured Loggerhead was rescued Rehabilitated and Released on November 7,2003 and of a Pilot Whale that washed ashore 2003,		Each spring the Loggerhead Turtle comes in from the sea to dig her nest in the soft sands on Fripp Island. After reaching maturity at 25 to 30 years of age female sea turtles return to the beach to nest while male turtles remain offshore.
Check out our Nest Statistics and Pictures from 2008 2006 2007 2004 2005 2003 2002 2000 2001 and slide shows from 2008 2006 2007 2004 2005 2003 2002 2000 2001		Our volunteers can be seen patrolling the beach each morning from mid May through August. We are dedicated to the preservation of these amazing creatures. Look for us wearing blue Fripp Island Loggerhead Patrol T-shirts and be sure to say hello.
Hatchling disorientation can be minimized by adherence to the Beaufort County Lighting Ordinance and installing Turtle Friendly Lighting		We experience occasional hatchling anomalies. This one came from our first nest in 2005 and although it certainly has a split personality it seemed otherwise strong and healthy. It was last seen swimming out to sea but indecisive as to the proper direction to take.
View our Hatchling Video Clip Leatherback Tracks from Hunting Island and a Leatherback Hatchling from Folly Beach. Follow this link to see how Nest Temperatures are affected by rainfall.		Ghost Crab predation and hatchling disorientation due to artificial lighting account for almost all of our on beach hatchling losses. Follow this link to see how to construct a Fripp Island Ghost Crab Trap

Other Turtle Links	How You Can Help	Turtle Project Sponsors
Our Mission Statement	Words of Wisdom	Interactive Weather Map
Tide Chart for Fripp Inlet	Weather Forecast for Fripp Island	Marine Conditions at the FRP2 Buoy

Click here for Fripp Island weather forecast from Wunderground

Please take a moment to send a note to our program coordinator, Janie Lackman
with your comments and questions or just to say Hello.

This Web Site is Created & Maintained by Anthony Natoli & Natweb Design
and Provided to us at no charge by Internet Services of The Low Country
Comments and suggestions are always welcome.