Network for Endangered Sea Turtles 24 HR. HOTLINE 252-441-8622

How You Can Help

Loggerhead entangled in fishing gear
Beach Hazard Canopies

How you can help sea turtles on the Outer Banks

  • If you see a see a sea turtle call the NEST hotline at 252-441-8622
  • Keep away from turtles on the beach especially moving turtles that may be looking for a nesting site. To observe, sit quietly away from the turtle.
  • Leave turtle hatchlings on the beach. Call N.E.S.T. hotline for direction.
  • Turn off flashlights, cell phone screens, and all other ocean side lighting during hatching or nesting events.
  • Respect all nest markers. Report disturbances to the N.E.S.T. hotline.
  • Remove beach litter such as balloons and plastic bags (they may be mistaken for food in the ocean and ingested by sea turtles)
  • Fill in all holes on the beach at the end of the day as they may become traps for female turtles that generally nest on the beach at night.
  • Remove all beach furniture at the end of the day
  • Keep pets on a leash and away from sea turtles and nests