Sea Turtle Patrol HHI marks first nest of season with dedication
Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island
The discovery of the nest was dedicated Jay Wiendl, 1974–2025. STPHHI said he was a cherished friend, steadfast supporter and respected leader in the hospitality industry.
'This first nest is more than just a beginning—it's a legacy,' said Director of STPHHI Amber Kuehn. 'Jay's enduring impact on our mission and this island will live on with every hatchling that makes its way to the sea.'
The nest site is marked by three golden poles and a special dedication plaque, which reads:
Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island
'This first nest of the 2025 Sea Turtle Nesting Season is dedicated to Jay Wiendl, 1974–2025, leader in the hospitality industry, whose legacy embraces environmental responsibility to honor his commitment to the natural beauty of the island and Sea Turtle Patrol HHI.'
STPHHI expressed its gratitude for Jay Wiendl's lasting contributions and said it proudly celebrates his memory with this symbolic dedication.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
Another distressed loggerhead sea turtle seen in Indian River Bay, boaters urged to report
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, a Lewes nonprofit, is asking boaters to help them locate an injured loggerhead sea turtle in the Indian River Bay. The endangered turtle was seen in distress, having difficulty diving, a July 13 MERR Facebook post said. There are a lot of algae and barnacles on its shell, as well as an injury at the rear of its shell, the post said. If you see the turtle, stay with it if possible and contact MERR at 302-228-5029. MERR representatives have responded to at least 11 deceased sea turtles in Delaware this year, nearly all of which were loggerheads, Executive Director Suzanne Thurman said. Most recently, they were unable to locate an apparently distressed loggerhead in the Indian River Bay June 21. Loggerhead sea turtles, and all other sea turtles in Delaware waters, are federally endangered. According to MERR, over 50% of sea turtles that strand in Delaware have boat propeller injuries, most of which are fatal. The organization is campaigning to raise awareness of boat propeller cages, similar to the cages that cover a house fan. "We feel like they're not widely known," Thurman said. "Looking at the big picture: If a turtle hits a propeller, that's going to damage the propeller. So, it's far less expensive to invest in this cage." A quick Amazon search showed many propeller cages for $100 or less, but the price depends on the size of the propeller. What to know: Delaware's 15 native turtle species and how to help them Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@ or on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: MERR asks boaters for help with distressed turtle in Indian River Bay
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Yahoo
Loggerhead sea turtle spotted struggling in bay apparently free-swimming now: MERR
A loggerhead sea turtle spotted struggling in the Indian River Bay June 21 is apparently free-swimming now, according to the Lewes-based nonprofit Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute. MERR shared a photo of the turtle, which they said was provided by a boater who later lost track of it, on social media June 21. The turtle was surfacing briefly and repeatedly, the post said, and MERR urged other boaters to alert them if they spotted the turtle so they could assist it. "We don't know if it was entangled in something or injured, but it appeared to be struggling," the post said. That post was deleted, but an update was shared June 22. Natural resources police took MERR representatives out to the area where the turtle was spotted, the post said, and they searched extensively but were unable to locate it. "During our search we were able to scan the bottom and water column thanks to the 3-D depth finder on the vessel," the post said. "This enabled us to confirm that the turtle was apparently free swimming because it was nowhere in the vicinity of the original sighting." If you spot a sea turtle in the area, try to keep it in sight and contact MERR immediately at 302-228-5029. The loggerhead spotted June 21 may still be entangled in fishing gear or injured. "Safe and successful disentanglement of a multi-hundred pound animal in any depth of water requires special equipment so that the turtle isn't inadvertently injured," the post said. "This is also risky for rescuers, so it is always best to notify us so that we can bring our specialized equipment and trained personnel to the scene to assist the turtle." Loggerhead sea turtles, and all other sea turtles in Delaware waters, are federally endangered. Over 50% of those that strand in Delaware have boat propeller injuries, most of which are fatal, the post said. MERR is starting a campaign to raise awareness of boat propeller cages, similar to the cages that cover a house fan. "The cages help to protect sea turtles, terrapins, other wildlife, and boaters themselves from the harmful and even deadly impact of the blades, while also protecting the prop from damage during an impact," the post said. "The cost of the cages vary, but are far less costly than replacing a propeller in most cases." Testudines: What to know about Delaware's 15 native turtle species and how to help them Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@ or on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: MERR searches for struggling loggerhead sea turtle spotted in bay
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Coyote sightings increasing on Tybee Island
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) – Coyote sightings are increasing on Tybee Island since WSAV first reported in early June. 'I was shocked to pull up on this animal, this beautiful wild animal,' said Stu Putman, who sent us a video taken June 2 of a coyote trotting around his North End neighborhood in the nighttime. The animal is being seen mostly on the north side of the island. 'A couple of days ago I was driving home and pulled into my neighborhood, which is on the North End, and there it was,' said Putman. 'I thought it was a dear because they have very long noses, and their ears are on top of their heads like a dear, but from the video, you can see it's a coyote.' As chatter is increasing about the recent sightings Putman alerted his neighbors. 'I'm in a homeowner's association on the North End, and I put out an email, and I attached the video, and most of the emails that came back were worried neighbors,' he said. Although city officials told WSAV the animal is not a threat, though people and pets should still keep a distance, the chatter is hinted with unease. 'I would say on average Tybee is a little worried about having coyotes on the island,' said Putman. In 2023 when coyotes were inhabiting the island in packs, the city's hired trapper eventually took them to a DNR approved wildlife preserve after the city faced backlash for trapping and euthanizing them to prevent rabies transmission. The relocation was considered a 'last resort.' Tybee Island Mayor Brian West told WSAV Friday that the city currently does not have a plan for coyotes considering the recent sightings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
