MATT OWEN
STEWARDS OF THE BEACH
Through its sea turtle program , Half Moon continues to invest in the environment through sustainable practices and education , particularly with the Hawksbill Sea Turtle .
Hawksbill sea turtles are the most endangered sea turtle population in the world . Female Hawksbill turtles return to the same nesting grounds they were born to lay their eggs , migrating long distances to nest , where they lay anywhere from 130 to 160 eggs before covering their nest before returning to the sea . Typically , eggs will hatch in about 60 days . The most dangerous time of their lives is when hatchlings make the journey to sea , while they ’ re prey to crabs and birds .
This is where Half Moon plays an important role in the sea turtles ’ safety . By being present at the time of hatching , guests and staff increase the chance of survival for these tiny beings . Through a partnership with Oracabessa Marine Trust , Half Moon offers staff training in the sustainability of the environment to preserve marine life . Staff who are trained are also licensed as wardens through the National Environment Planning Agency ( NEPA ), which allows them to enforce regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act , to create habitats for new life .
In 2022 , Half Moon beaches held 46 nests , 4,033 eggs , and helped 3,847 hatchlings successfully make it to sea .
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