Giving every sea turtle a chance

 

Rescue and rehab are central to what we do

The Rescue Process

Sea turtles in distress are often discovered stranded on beaches or floating in the ocean. In the Outer Banks, when a sea turtle is reported to the N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) hotline, a coordinated network of volunteers and professionals are activated to rescue, transport and provide the turtle with any needed care. N.E.S.T. plays a leading role in coordinating these efforts.

Here’s how the rescue process typically works:

  1. Identification and Assessment: Volunteers or beachgoers report stranded/injured turtles to the N.E.S.T. 24 hour hotline. Trained N.E.S.T teams are dispatched assess the turtle's condition and report their findings.

  2. Transport: N.E.S.T Coordinates transportation of the sea turtle to the STAR (Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation) Center at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

  3. Medical Evaluation: Veterinarians and specialists perform thorough examinations to diagnose injuries or illnesses. Common issues include shell fractures, infections, and malnutrition.

Green turtle "Augie" receiving treatment at STAR Center for broken front flippers caused by a boat strike.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

 

Once at the STAR Center, turtles receive expert care tailored to their specific needs. This may include:

  • Wound Care: Treating injuries such as shell damage or flipper trauma.

  • Medication: Administering antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs for infections.

  • Nutritional Support: Providing a balanced diet to restore strength and health.

  • Physical Therapy: Helping turtles regain mobility and strength, particularly in their flippers.

Rehabilitation times vary depending on the severity of the turtle’s condition. Some turtles may recover within weeks, while others require months of intensive care before they are strong enough to return to the ocean.

A sea turtle swimming in an aquarium with green plants and a white pipe in the background.
Aquaculture facility with multiple circular tanks and a person in blue shirt standing inside; pipes and filtration systems visible.
A sea turtle being weighed on a scale, with a person in gloves assisting.

 The Release Back to the Ocean

The most rewarding part of sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation is releasing recovered turtles back into the wild. Once turtles are deemed healthy and fit for survival, they are returned to the ocean, often with community members gathering to celebrate the occasion.

These releases are symbolic of the collective effort it takes to protect sea turtles in the Outer Banks. Each turtle that returns to the ocean carries the hope of contributing to the future of its species.

A woman releasing a small turtle into the ocean while a group of people watch on a beach.
A group of people, including wildlife workers, handling a large sea turtle, preparing to release it into the wild on a sandy beach. They are wearing gloves, and onlookers are gathered in the background.

How You Can Help?

  • Loggerhead sea turtle entangled in green fishing net being assisted by people on a sandy beach.

    Report a Nest or Stranded Turtle

    If you see a sea turtle on the beach (dead or alive) call the N.E.S.T. 24-hour Hotline at (252) 441-8622. They will ask for your location and provide you with relevant guidance.

    Keep a safe distance to avoid any further distress or injury to the turtle. Handling a sea turtle or hatchlings without proper training and permits is illegal. be sure to keep children and pets away.

    In darkness, turn off flashlights, cell phone screens, or any other lighting.

  • A group of baby sea turtles on a sandy beach surrounded by a temporary barrier, with people observing and photographing them.

    Adopt a Nest

    You can symbolically Adopt-A-Nest in the Northern Outer Banks with a tax-deductible donation of $100.

    N.E.S.T. patrols over 50 miles of beach from Nags Head to Carova, and we cannot predict where a sea turtle will decide to nest. Every year is a surprise for us! Adoptable nests will be assigned as they are laid, so the location of nests will be left up to the turtles! Nests will be assigned in June and July. So, adopt a nest early to make sure you get one of our limited number of available nests.

    When you adopt a nest, you will receive a welcome packet in the mail with the following goodies: An adoption certificate; A fact sheet on the sea turtle species that laid the nest; Exclusive photos of the nest response, if available; An exclusive 2025 Adopt-A-Nest sticker.

    In addition to this initial package, you will receive email updates when the nest hatches and a final report which will include details of the excavation.

    Your donation directly supports the efforts of N.E.S.T. As an all-volunteer organization, 100% of our proceeds is put into our efforts to protect and conserve Sea Turtles.

    Adopt A Nest
  • Sea turtle swimming underwater with surface reflection above.

    Support Our Cause

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.

    Donate Here

Support Our Mission to Save Sea Turtles

Your contributions directly fund our rescue operations, nest protection, and community education. Ways to give:

Adopt a Nest: Receive updates and photos from “your” nest.

One-Time Donation: Make an immediate impact.

Monthly Giving: Support ongoing efforts all year round.