Sea Turtle Nests Washed Away in North Carolina as Hurricane Erin Pounds Outer Banks

OUTER BANKS, N.C. – Hurricane Erin’s powerful storm surge has washed away multiple sea turtle nests along the North Carolina coast, raising alarm among conservation groups working through the nesting season.

Protective Efforts Overwhelmed by Rising Seas

Videos from Emerald Isle showed trenches built around turtle nests flooding with ocean water as Erin’s waves pushed inland. Volunteers with the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol had installed landscaping edging and protective barriers, but the surge proved too strong.

“At least three nests have been washed away so far, and eight more suffered significant damage,” said Dale Baquer, president of the group. “Our hope is that at least two nests will survive, but it’s too early to tell.”

The trenches and barriers are designed to shield nests until hatchlings emerge, but the combination of high surf and tides overwhelmed many of the sites.

Impact on Endangered Species

The timing is especially troubling because some of the nests closest to hatching were the most vulnerable. Sea turtles, already classified as threatened or endangered depending on the species, face immense challenges during their nesting cycle.

“We always say in the turtle business, ‘Never say never,’ because sometimes we’re surprised by survival even after flooding,” Baquer noted. “But sitting underwater for long periods is detrimental to their chances.”

More Tides Expected as Erin Moves North

With Hurricane Erin continuing its path along the Atlantic, conservation groups fear more nests could be lost in the coming days as tides remain higher than normal. Patrol teams are monitoring the beaches daily, trying to salvage what they can.

The loss of nests underscores how storms and rising sea levels pose increasing threats to sea turtle populations, adding to ongoing challenges from coastal development and human activity.

Readers who have witnessed wildlife impacts from Hurricane Erin or want to share local efforts to protect endangered species are invited to join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.