The Helm formally Pleasure Hunt

11/23/2025

Beautiful sunset from the Helm.

08/21/2025

Sea Turtles Hatching 20 Days Early? Not possible!
Thanks to everyone for their support and kind words as we worked to save many turtles against the threat of Hurricane Erin. Unfortunately, we won’t know the effects of the tidal over wash on the still incubating nests until hatching windows come and go.

We have heard that it has been communicated that one nest was hatching "20 days early”. As part of the NC Sea Turtle Project for NCWRC, public education is one of our top objectives! Let’s set the record straight with some official facts. This season, our nest’s incubation days average 54 days. Highest was 62 days, lowest was 48.

If you are an informed sea turtle follower, then you know that earlier season and cooler weather nests take longer to incubate. Later season and warmer temps take less time. It’s why we at Caswell Beach Turtle Watch and official permit holders monitor nests, know how to assess the signs of nest progression, and prepare each nest for a proper hatch window.

So while 20 days early might be desirable, from Mother Nature’s perspective it’s really not feasible based on sea turtle gestation requirements. See our information on Sea Turtle Development for more details (Link Below)! The diagrams will also show you why we cannot dig up a nest that hasn’t hatched, even with hurricane threats. The embryos may not have reached a viable stage of development. If you have more questions, let us know!

This latest bump in the road most likely cooled things down in the nests and will mean that incubation may be delayed. Our teams are monitoring day and night for activity. We count on you our to let us know immediately if you see turtle activity at the nests! Thanks for all the calls and texts. Please keep them coming! 910-368-6323

**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Caswell Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 25ST03).
https://caswellturtlewatch.org/sea-turtle-embryo-development-pictures/

08/20/2025

Yesterday, as Hurricane Erin’s effects begin to hit Caswell Beach, unusually high tides and rough surf battered our shores. After an alert about the quickly rising tide late Tuesday afternoon, we went into ER Mode.  Caswell Beach Turtle Watch Lead Coordinators contacted NCWRC State Biologist (wh...

07/30/2025

07/28/2025

“All nesting sea turtles, their incubating eggs and emergent hatchlings are listed as Threatened or Endangered by federal and state law. As such, they are protected from “take,” including harassment, harm, injury, or death. We recognize that the presence of sea turtle nests and hatchlings on t...

07/03/2025