Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune

Protective cage over sea turtle nest.

    Sea 
Turtles

 Sea turtle hatchling.
 

Sea Turtle Conservation at Camp Lejeune.

    Camp Lejeune manages 14 miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean.  Sea turtle nesting occurs on Onslow Beach from mid-May to mid-August, with hatchlings emerging through November.  The two most frequently encountered species of sea turtle are the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the green (Chelonia mydas).  During the spring and summer months, personnel implement an intensive sea turtle monitoring, nest relocation and protection program so that amphibious landings and other training activities can be conducted without impacting protected species. Equally important, nest-free training areas are maintained by base personnel so that trainers do not have to work around active turtle nests.                  

Loggerhead turtle crawling from nest.Green sea turtle digging nest.

   Camp Lejeune's sea turtle monitoring program has been in place since 1974 through which seasonal nesting success is assessed.  Nightly patrols of the beach survey for nesting females.  When a turtle is encountered, she is checked for and/or outfitted with identifying tags.  Physical data is collected about the individual and the location of the nest or nest attempt is recorded using Global Positioning Systems.  Confirmed nests are covered with wire cages and signs to protect them from disturbance.  When nesting has ceased, early morning patrols record evidence of hatching.  Nesting information is then reported to the appropriate State and Federal agencies.  To best conserve sea turtles, Camp Lejeune acquires annual permits from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to relocate nests should they be severely threatened by military training activities, or if they are laid in severely eroding portions of the beach.  Nests are relocated to sites where threats are minimized.  Hatch Success Chart!

There are limitations for off-road driving (tactical and recreational) on Onslow Beach.  For these rules go to the restrictions link and the Base Game Warden's page http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/gwarden/ . 

Sign for ORRV use.

 

 

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Environmental Management Division

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Installations & Environment Department

Last Updated:  August 13, 2002