An inventory is a way for us to learn about the hatch success rate of a particular nest, and a way to observe weak hatchlings who might not otherwise make it out. We never know what we are going to find: there may be dead hatchlings, unhatched or rotten eggs, empty eggshells, or live turtles. Here is how we know when the nest has hatched:
Once 72 hours has passed since the first documented major emergence, we conduct a nest inventory. It’s a scientific process that teaches us about the hatch rate of our nests, and each inventory is conducted carefully in order to collect as much reliable data as possible. Each participant has an important job to do, even if it is just to sit or stand quietly and watch hatchlings work their way into the sea.
What to bring (and what not to)
Please don’t bring your dog. No dogs are allowed within the perimeter of an inventory, and any dog nearby must be firmly on a leash and under control.
If you are bringing a flashlight, make sure it has a red cover.
Do not spray bug spray anywhere near an inventory: if gnats or ants bother you, please wear long sleeves and pants.
Kids, cocktails, friends are all welcome; please be sure that everyone with you can listen to the directions of where to stay, especially if we have hatchlings to escort to the sea.
What the turtle team does:
- Carefully locate and dig into the nest to find any hatchlings, hatched eggs, unhatched eggs, etc.
- Document any special circumstances.
- Educate the participants on all things turtle.
- Use gloves and hands to dig gently into the nest cavity. If at any point live hatchlings are encountered in a group at the top of the nest, the team will close up the nest to let it hatch on its own and cancel the inventory until the nest hatches naturally.
- Place piles of eggshells in groups of 10 on the sand, separating shells and unhatched eggs.
- Remove any live hatchlings and place them in a bucket.
- Create a boundary using people to form an artificial “dune”, protecting the hatchlings while they make their way to the ocean.
- Remind people to keep their feet still.
What everyone else does:
Sometimes the turtle team will ask for help counting shells and eggs. The remainder of the crowd will serve as observers. They will stay behind the boundaries and watch quietly, standing with still feet so any hatchlings washed back in by waves will be safe.
If there are live hatchlings, everyone will have a chance to see them; you’re welcome to take photos. Just be every aware of your feet, making sure you keep out of the way of hatchlings going toward the ocean or washing back in on a wave.
