Endangered sea turtles arrive on Ship Island

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies has recorded a first-time occurrence on Ship Island, Mississippi: a Kemp's Ridley Sea turtle nest, housing one of the most endangered species in the world. Typically found in south Texas and Mexico, the nest was documented by a National Park Service Ranger on the island earlier this year.

Protective signage and barriers have been placed to protect the hatchlings, and the nest has been monitored by experts for months during surveys of the island. This research is part of an ongoing study to connect the East Ship and West Ship Islands. The Ship Island rehabilitation project will continue to contribute to the continued existence of these turtles.