Irene Destroys Seven Sea Turtle Nests

Volusia County employees and volunteers combed 36 miles of beach last week to check 300 sea turtle nests buried in the sand. They discovered that seven nests had been washed out to sea and observed that most of the nests had been "washed over," meaning they were covered with water at some point but were not severely damaged. 
The wooden stakes and ropes had to be re-established for many of the nests.
Most of the nests in Volusia County contain loggerhead eggs, with several nests laid by leatherbacks and green turtles. The average nest contains about 100 eggs.
The sea turtle nesting season starts May 1 and continues through October 31st.  Residents need to continue to restrict the lighting onto the beaches as the artificial lights hinder the hatchlings trek to reach the water.