CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission wants to hear from people on its Sea Turtle Conservation Plan.
The plan will guide the agency on how it maintains and increases the population of five sea turtle species that nest on North Carolina beaches. All five species are either endangered or threatened and need additional assistance to survive. They nest during the summer months, from May to August.
The five species are:
- Loggerhead: The most common sea turtle species nesting on North Carolina beaches, juveniles and subadults frequent area waters searching for food.
- Leatherback: They are infrequent nesters in N.C., with fewer than a dozen nests a year. Leatherbacks are the largest turtle species in the world, they grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
- Green: An occasional nester on North Carolina beaches, juveniles are most commonly found in N.C.
- Hawksbill: The least common sea turtle species to frequent North Carolina beaches.
- Kemp's ridley: They nest nearly every year in North Carolina, but in numbers less than 25 per year. Kemp's ridley are small with adults reaching about two feet in length and weighing around 90 pounds.
After going though all public comments, Commission staff will present the draft plan for approval on June 6.
You can submit commits online through May 24.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws in North Carolina. It also provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.
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