The mission of the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program (SSBTWP) is to record nesting sites, move nests that may be threatened by animals or water, record turtle hatches, and assist hatchlings as they attempt to reach the ocean.

The turtle watch program is staffed by volunteers that walk the beach every morning, sit at nests when the hatchlings are ready to emerge, and conduct informational and educational programs.

The informational programs – named “Turtle Time” – are free at 7 pm on Sunday evenings beginning in June and running during the nesting months at the Sunset Properties Parking lot – weather permitting. Educational programs are available on request.

SUNSET BEACH TURTLE WATCH WEEKLY SUNDAY PROGRAMS 2022 Programs Start June 12th @ 7pm – See you soon!

Click HERE to view the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch PPT Presentation.

Loggerhead sea turtles are some of the most common visitors to the North Carolina Beaches. Although their population is more stable than that of other sea turtles, the Loggerhead is still considered a “threatened” species. This status grants protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Watch this great video of an actual sea turtle boil! CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

The Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program (SSBTWP) is a private, nonprofit program that solicits volunteers to help monitor turtle nesting at Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

Members of the SSBTWP hold permits from the Non-Game and Endangered Wildlife Section of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor nest sites, strandings, and hatchings.

Volunteers record nesting sites, move nests that may be threatened, record turtle hatches, and help hatchlings reach the ocean safely.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE OUR SEA TURTLES NESTING TURTLES Avoid disturbing a turtle that is crawling to or from the ocean. DO NOT crowd or attempt to ride a turtle. DO NOT shine lights or take flash photos of the turtle. Stay off the turtle tracks. Sit quietly in the dark, at a distance, to watch her. It is against the law to disturb her and/or her nest in any way. THE NESTS Stay clear of turtle nests. Avoid walking or riding vehicles near the nest. Stay off the turtle tracks. DO NOT disturb markers or screens that may be protecting the nests. Markers usually consist of wooden stakes outlined with bright tape or ribbon. THE HATCHLINGS OUTSIDE LIGHTS OFF! Lights disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings. Please TURN OFF your outdoor lights and shield indoor lights from shining on the beach at night. We ask the cooperation of all beach front house renters, owners, businesses, and hotels to turn off beach lights during nesting and hatching season from May to late October. Allow hatchlings to make their way safely to the ocean. DO NOT touch the hatchlings. Keeping hatchlings is illegal. DAY AT THE BEACH DO NOT LITTER! There are plenty of trash cans available on the beach. Pick up and place ALL trash in barrels. Fill in large sand castles, trenches, and holes before leaving the beach. DO NOT leave your canopy, umbrella, or chairs on the beach overnight. These all present dangers and can cause death to turtles and their hatchlings. Avoid using flashlights, fireworks, or flash photography while on the beach at night. It is against Federal and State Laws to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or nests. If you are a SMOKER, to avoid cigarette littering on our beach, please take a portable butt tin or use the designated areas. Don’t forget a butt bin can be as simple as an empty film canister or breath mint container!

Report turtle tracks, nest hatchings, sea turtle activity, injuries or strandings to: CALL or TEXT: Sunset Beach Turtle Watch – 910-209-1079 or Sunset Beach Police Department – 910-579-6297

Harassment of sea turtles, an endangered or threatened species, or their nests, is a violation of State and Federal laws, punishable by a fine up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment.

Click HERE to view the Sunset Beach Strand Ordinances (Chapter 95). (PDF Format)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!