Hatching Success

Incubation temperatures outside the ideal range mean trouble for embryos and hatchlings.

Constant nest temperatures equal to or above 89 degrees Fahrenheit generally mean embryos do not hatch or hatch but do not survive. Constant nest temperatures below 75 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit generally mean embryos do not hatch.

Below is a graph showing hatch success rate of our Northern Outer Banks nests by month for 2019 - 2025. The graph takes into account several nests that were unsuccessful due to predation or washout from storms.

Hatch Success (2019-2025)

Even more important is the vigor and ability of hatchlings to function to their full potential. Constant nest temperatures at or above 87.8 degrees Fahrenheit produce hatchlings with poor righting response times but normal swimming and crawl speeds. Incubation temperatures at or below a constant 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit produces hatchlings with decreased vigor, poor righting response times, slow crawl speeds, and overall poorer swimming ability. A hatchling needs strength to dig out of the nest, crawl towards the ocean and then spend the next 24-48 hours in a swimming frenzy avoiding predators and striving to reach the Gulf Stream where they mature among large masses of seaweeds.