Latest news with #GeorgiaDepartmentOfNaturalResources
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Baby sea turtles arrive in Georgia: First hatchlings reported on local beach
Is watching baby sea turtles crawl across the beach on your bucket list? Your window of opportunity is here. On Wednesday, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center reported the state's first hatchlings of the season at their "Nest No. 1" on Jekyll Island with tracks in the sand nearby. The spot was also the first nest of the season and is marked by a sign with its number and its identification as a loggerhead nesting area. Georgia Department of Natural Resources says only five species of sea turtles can be found in Georgia's waters, with loggerheads being the only one to nest regularly on islands like Jekyll, Sea, Sapelo, and Ossabaw. The other four species (hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, green, and leatherback), prefer more tropical nesting locales, but use our coast for food, shelter, and a travel corridor. All five are protected. Thousands of loggerhead nests are found in the Peach State every year, according to Georgia Wildlife. Last year there were 2,490. A loggerhead may lay up to six clutches per nesting season with each clutch consisting of 100-150 eggs. Don't disturb turtles or their nest. Once a turtle has begun nesting, observe her only from a distance. Don't crowd her. Don't shine lights in a sea turtle's eyes or take flash photography. Never disturb a sea turtle that is crawling to or from the sea. Report a sighting by calling the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at (478) 994-1438 or the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at (912) 215-5046. In addition to donating to conservations efforts, experts shared some steps you can take: Level the sand of your beach area―fill holes and stomp down sandcastles before you head home from a beach day because holes can trap turtles and mounds can deter them from nesting. Place trash in designated bins, especially plastics such as straws, bottles, and broken beach toys which can all make their way into the water and be consumed by all manner of sea life. While boating, be mindful of speed along the coastline as turtles are harder to spot than dolphins or pelicans. While fishing in the ocean, know that a bated hook may attract turtles and can snag them. Call DNR if this happens as hook removal could require a turtle being taken to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides education and rehabilitation to sea turtles including interactive exhibits as well as year-round indoor and outdoor programs for all ages. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island at 214 Stable Rd. Admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is $10 for ages 4-12 and $12 for older guests. You can buy tickets at Joseph Schwartzburt of Savannah Morning News contributed to this article. Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Sea Turtle Center confirms first hatchlings of 2025
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
No passengers found in overturned vessel on Lake Oconee
The Brief Emergency crews found a capsized fishing boat in Lake Oconee; no one was inside the vessel. Marine 9 personnel towed the sunken boat to shore to prevent hazards for other lake users. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will handle the removal of the vessel from the lake. GREENE COUNTY, Ga. - Emergency crews responded to Lake Oconee on Sunday morning after a fishing boat was found capsized in the middle of the lake. What we know According to Greene County Fire Rescue, officials searched the immediate area around the vessel searching for those who may have been aboard. Upon arrival, crews confirmed that no one was inside the overturned vessel. Marine 9 personnel successfully towed the sunken boat to shore to eliminate any hazards for other boaters and tubers in the area. What we don't know It was not immediately clear who owned the vessel. What's next The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has been notified and will coordinate the removal of the vessel from the lake. The Source The details in this article were provided by the Greene County Fire Rescue.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
GA fishers keep setting records catching spotted sunfish
Georgia fishers have been breaking records lately when it comes to catching spotted sunfish. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources posted photos of Josh Forsythe of Homerville and his record-breaking 13-oz, nine-inch spotted sunfish that he caught in the Suwannee River on Monday. Advertisement It's the third time in less than a year that a new spotted sunfish record has been set. The streak started in June with a 12-oz fish in the Ogeechee River. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] That was tied last month with another 12-ouncer pulled from the Suwannee River. Officials say most spotted sunfish average around 8 oz. or less and are found in the Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Ogeechee, Ochlockonee, Suwanee, St. Mary's, Satilla, and Savannah River basins. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
