DNA study reveals statistics about Holden Beach 2023 sea turtle nesting season

HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A DNA study of sea turtle nests in Holden Beach was recently completed, revealing interesting statistics about the 2023 season.

According to a Holden Beach sea turtle program, 65 of 70 loggerhead nests were analyzed, indicating 29 unique females laid nests on their beach last year — an average of 2.4 nests per female.

One turtle laid five nests within 1.3 miles of shoreline.

The turtle with the most nests laid six. Volunteers say that specific turtle has been laying nests on Holden Beach since 2014.