Debby vs. Sea Turtle Nests

The damage done by Debby to sea turtle nesting in Georgia is still being assessed.

While tidal surge and heavy rains from the tropical storm likely wiped out about 10 percent of the nests, at least half were inundated. Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative members know which nests have been washed over and how many times this season, DNR Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Mark Dodd said.

"What we don't know is how the inundation (from Debby) will affect hatching success."

The eggs can survive some flooding. But nest inventories taken after any hatchlings have emerged will reveal the extent of loss, according to Dodd.

He added that loggerheads, Georgia's primary sea turtle species, have evolved to survive impacts from extreme weather, with females laying multiple nests every two to four years.

Check daily updates on nesting.

Top: DNR sea turtle technician Emma Watson measures a dawn-nesting loggerhead on Ossabaw Island. (Mark Dodd/DNR)