CRP’s research and conservation program on Wassaw Island has helped produce an 8-fold increase in loggerhead nesting since 1973 (see graph below).
CRP has marked and studied over 1,820 individual turtles throughout their reproductive lives, providing critical information used in the development of the Loggerhead Recovery Plan in 2009, as well as other state and federal management plans.
CRP has protected and monitored 5,142 nests, leading to the successful release of 355,655 hatchlings. Four and half decades of nest protection have provided the foundation for a now strong and recovering loggerhead population.
CRP has provided data, support and infrastructure for conducting scientific research on sea turtles, leading to the production of 54 scientific publications, including five Ph.D. dissertations and six Master’s theses.
CRP has authored 28 research presentations at 16 different regional and international scientific meetings, conferences and symposia.
Loggerhead nesting on Wassaw Island has increase over 8-fold since CRP began in 1973
Education, Outreach & Advocacy
CRP’s volunteer program on Wassaw Island has involved 3,591 people in hands-on sea turtle research and conservation. Participants
have come from 46 different states and 6 different countries, ranged in age from 10 to 80 years old, and included 1,300 high school and college-age people exploring careers in marine biology and environmental science.
CRP has trained 25 interns that have subsequently pursued careers in biology, environmental science and education. CRP has become a breeding ground for the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists and advocates.
CRP has shared its mission with the public by participating in innumerable outreach initiatives through civics events and various news platforms, including television, radio, newspaper and magazine outlets.
CRP has successfully launched online media campaigns to advertise and celebrate its mission with the public, and advocate for initiatives that eliminate threats to sea turtles and their habitats.
CRP’s Adopt-A-Turtle program has connected over 390 people with the lives of nesting turtles on Wassaw Island, fostering love and appreciation for sea turtles and their plight for survival.
