In early to mid-September, an entire loggerhead sea turtle nest successfully hatched on Maryland's portion of Assateague Island National Seashore. Approximately 100 hatchlings emerged from a single nest site to make their way into the ocean. The big news is, this was the first confirmed hatch on Maryland's portion of the island!
According to the National Park Service, sea turtles in the Atlantic Ocean typically nest on sandy beaches from North Carolina to Florida; it is rare for loggerheads to have successful nests north of Virginia. And while multiple nests had been attempted on Assateague in the past few years, NPS reports that this is the first successful nest.
More Sea Turtle News
If 100 baby loggerheads wasn't enough good news, the Maryland DNR
reports that a loggerhead sea turtle that had been found stranded in the Chesapeake Bay last fall has been released back to the water. On Wednesday, October 4, the joint efforts of several organizations and individuals culminated when “Bailey,” an 86-lb. juvenile male, returned safely to the sea from Assateague State Park.
Bailey was found floating in the bay last fall and was rescued by Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program. Sea Turtle Recovery, a nonprofit sea turtle hospital, treated Bailey for a severe lung infection at the organization’s facility in New Jersey and teamed up with the National Aquarium for his Maryland release.
“Bailey truly had a group effort to ensure his full recovery and release, and we are very thankful for such an amazing network of rehabilitation facilities and the staff at Assateague State Park,” said Sea Turtle Recovery’s Co-Executive Officer Brandi Biehl.
All species of sea turtle are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and are listed as either threatened or endangered.
Visitors to Maryland’s coastline are reminded when finding a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle that may be in need of medical attention to keep a distance and call the National Aquarium’s Stranding Hotline at 410-576-3880.