1. Sea Turtles in Georgia Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division

2. What is a Sea Turtle?

3. Sea Turtles in Georgia

4. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Most Common Sea Turtle in Georgia Most Common Sea Turtle in Georgia Large heads, reddish-yellow in color Large heads, reddish-yellow in color Weigh upwards to 300 lbs. Weigh upwards to 300 lbs. Nest on all Georgia barrier Islands Nest on all Georgia barrier Islands Feed primarily on jellyfish, crabs, mollusks and snails Feed primarily on jellyfish, crabs, mollusks and snails

5. The Amazing Journey The complex natural history of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

6. The Amazing Journey Females lay their eggs from May through August

7. The Amazing Journey Each nest contains approximately 120 ping-pong ball sized eggs. Females may nest up to 7 times each season (Average=4.1)

8. The Amazing Journey Hatchlings emerge after sixty days of incubation The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature

9. The Amazing Journey

15. Threats - Pelagic Longline Fishery Mortality

16. The Amazing Journey Juveniles return to Georgia after 8-10 years

17. Threats - Shrimp Trawl Fishery

18. Turtle Excluder Device

19. Threats - Boat Strikes

21. Threats - Over Harvest of Prey Species

22. The Amazing Journey Return to nest in Georgia after 30-35 years at sea

23. Threats - Loss of Nesting Habitat

24. Threats - Artificial Lighting

25. The Amazing Journey The amazing journey ends where it began

26. Sea Turtle Management in Georgia Twelve sea turtle nesting projects in Georgia

29. Loggerhead Nesting in Georgia, 1989-2003

30. Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

32. Protecting Sea Turtles

33. Satellite Telemetry

34. What does the future hold for Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Georgia? The long-term data suggests a 1.2% annual decline in nesting over 30 years. The long-term data suggests a 1.2% annual decline in nesting over 30 years. Recovery Plan requires 2,000 nests per year for 25 years. Recovery Plan requires 2,000 nests per year for 25 years. Must continue to maximize reproductive success Must continue to maximize reproductive success Reduce threats associated with commercial fisheries Reduce threats associated with commercial fisheries Recovery will require international effort Recovery will require international effort

35. How can you help? Reduce beach lighting Reduce beach lighting Do not disturb nesting females Do not disturb nesting females Do not litter Do not litter Be active (attend public meetings, write government officials, join conservation groups) Be active (attend public meetings, write government officials, join conservation groups) Volunteer Volunteer

36. For more information, visit the Wildlife Resources Division website: www.georgiawildlife.com