AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — Amelia Island Sea Turtle Patrol says high tide has washed away 13 sea turtle nests along the beach.
It was a devastating sight for sea turtle lovers, with nests wiped out and sea turtle eggs left scattered in the sand.
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“I just hate to hear it. I love the sea turtles,” beachgoer Stephanie Erdeljac said.
Amelia Island has seen a spike in the number of nests this year. They’ve documented 345, compared to 149 nests in 2018.
But more of the nests could be in danger.
Action News Jax First Alert Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh says higher tides are expected through the next few days as we near a new moon cycle.
“That’s so sad. I wish there was something that could be done,” beachgoer Leigh Burgess said.
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Several families asked if the nests can be moved.
Sea turtle patrol said their FWC permit only allows them to relocate nests for beach renourishment.
They also said once eggs have been in the ground for 24 hours, moving them will kill the embryos inside.
They’re asking if you find a washed out nest, place the wood stakes above the high tide line and take a picture of the number on them.
That way FWC can document which nests were lost.