OAK ISLAND, NC — The Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program is reporting a record‑breaking season for nesting loggerheads, surpassing the town’s second‑highest total on record.
As of Saturday, volunteers have documented 145 nests along the OKI shoreline. The highest number ever recorded on Oak Island is 172. Program coordinators say they do not expect to exceed that benchmark this year, but note that 2026 has already become one of the most active nesting seasons in the town’s history.
Local residents and visitors continue to play a key role in reporting turtle crawls and nesting activity. The program thanked the community for its ongoing support and encouraged beachgoers to remain vigilant as hatchlings begin emerging from nests across the island.
Observed nesting turtles, hatchlings, or any signs of sea turtle activity should be reported to the program’s hotline at 910.945.8888
This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Oak Island is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission under ES Permit 26ST01
Coastal Carolina News is the updated branding for bcdollarsaver.com.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved
Be the first to comment