The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is the recipient of a grant to conduct a multiyear study on the DNA of the female sea turtles nesting on our beaches.  It will allow them to understand turtle migration, frequency of nesting, and more information about the way turtles “return to the same beach where they hatched.” Dewees is participating in the project by sending an eggshell from each nest to DNR for genetic testing.

For the project, a broken or misshapen egg is selected when one is available.  The yolk and albumen are discarded because the eggshell contains the genetic material of the mother only (the subject of the study.)  We handle the egg with gloves so as not to contaminate it with our own DNA.  Samples are saved for delivery to DNR.