First Sea Turtle Nests of 2026 Reported in South Carolina

(Photo by: Leah Schwartzentruber, Edisto Beach State Park Sea Turtle Specialists)

South Carolina’s 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially underway, with the first two loggerhead sea turtle nests of the year reported May 6, 2026, at Edisto Beach State Park and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

The nests were located by trained specialists conducting early morning beach patrols under South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Officials said the discoveries mark the beginning of another busy nesting season for the statewide network of more than 1,500 volunteers and biologists who patrol South Carolina’s beaches each year to locate, document, and protect sea turtle nests through October.

Both nests were left in situ — meaning they remain undisturbed in their original location — so the number of eggs laid is unknown.

“Sea turtle nesting season is one of the most anticipated times of year along our coast,” said SCDNR biologist Michelle Pate, who oversees the agency’s sea turtle nesting program. “As turtles begin arriving on our beaches to nest, we ask residents and visitors alike to help protect them by turning off beachfront lighting at night.”

Loggerhead sea turtles, the species responsible for the vast majority of South Carolina nests each year, are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. While annual nest totals naturally fluctuate due to the turtles’ cyclical nesting behavior, officials said long-term nesting trends across the southeastern United States remain encouraging following decades of conservation efforts.

Female loggerheads don’t nest every year, and during active nesting seasons they may lay several nests approximately two weeks apart while consuming little to no food during the process.

South Carolina Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest Numbers

• 2019: 8,775 (highest on record)

• 2020: 5,551

• 2021: 5,638

• 2022: 7,968

• 2023: 6,597

• 2024: 4,812

• 2025: 3,902

Four species of sea turtles may nest on South Carolina beaches: loggerheads, green turtles, Kemp’s ridleys, and leatherbacks. All are protected under both federal and state law.

Loggerhead sea turtle clutches average approximately 120 eggs and typically hatch after about 60 days of incubation.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Reminders

• Sea turtle nesting season in South Carolina runs from May 1 through Oct. 31.

• Keep beaches dark at night by turning off beachfront lighting and avoiding flash photography or phone lights near nesting turtles and hatchlings.

• Always observe sea turtles from a respectful distance and never disturb turtles or marked nests.

• Keep beaches clean and remove trash, furniture, and obstacles that may impede nesting turtles or hatchlings.

• Boat cautiously, particularly in tidal creeks and nearshore waters where sea turtles frequently feed.

• Report sick, injured, stranded, or dead sea turtles, as well as nest disturbances, to SCDNR at 1-800-922-5431.

• If a sea turtle is accidentally hooked while fishing, contact SCDNR immediately for assistance.