Imagine this: a solitary creature, weighing in at a hefty 300 pounds, dragging itself up a sandy incline. This isn’t a monster from a movie, but a green sea turtle, on a mission of monumental importance. She’s digging a nest, carefully depositing 80 ping-pong-ball-sized eggs, the future of her species nestled in the warm sand. With her task complete, she returns to the ocean, leaving behind a legacy waiting to be born.
This incredible scene played out on the shores of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii. And when the sun rose the next day, revealing the telltale evidence of the turtles’ passage, a team of biologists sprang into action.
These dedicated researchers, from PMRF, the USDA, the University of Hawaii, the DLNR, and NOAA, vigilantly monitor these vulnerable creatures. They work tirelessly to ensure that these nests are safe from predators and light pollution – threats that can spell disaster for these tiny hatchlings.
After 56 days of incubation, the big moment arrived: the long-awaited hatching. Imagine the thrill of the team as they discovered the little turtle tracks leading towards the water – a testament to the success of their efforts. Brooke McFarland announced, “The airfield green sea turtle nest hatched last night!”
The shoreline at PMRF offers ideal nesting conditions, with limited human activity and light pollution, creating a haven for these amazing creatures.
Stephen Rossiter, PMRF’s natural resources field coordinator, shared his excitement, saying, “It’s always an exciting event when a nest hatches, knowing we played a role in protecting these majestic creatures.”
As darkness fell, a mass of tiny turtles emerged from their nest. Drawn by the brightest light, they raced towards the ocean, their tiny flippers propelling them forward with a primal instinct.
But the journey is fraught with danger: light pollution can disorient the hatchlings, leading them astray and towards perilous fates. Other threats include entanglement in fishing nets, vessel strikes, habitat degradation, marine pollution, disease, and even illegal poaching.
“These honu (sea turtles) face so many threats,” Rossiter remarked. “It’s fantastic to be able to offer a safe place for this nest, away from predators and light pollution.”
A week later, biologists Katy Finney and Daniela Casillas, with their partners at DLNR and NOAA, carefully excavated the nest. With each shovelful of sand, a wave of relief washed over them – 76 tiny turtles had made it to the ocean, a testament to the power of collaboration and conservation. One tiny, perfect egg remained unhatched, a reminder of the fragility of life.
This year, the PMRF team celebrated the successful hatching of a single nest but are committed to continuing their work, ensuring that these remarkable creatures have a chance to thrive.
To the team and the tiny turtles, we say: Well done.
This is how we make a difference, one nest at a time.
