The world according to me....

Coastal systems are often dynamic, undergoing changes on short-term and long-term time scales. Nesting beaches also change over time. Some may disappear, others may move, and new ones may appear at different times. This is Drum Inlet, in Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina, USA, taken from the air at about 200 meters. Inlets are naturally dynamic, and they become even more so under the influence of major climactic events. This photo was taken a few days after Hurricane Isabel passed over Drum Inlet as it moved northwest into North Carolina. The inlet is still there, but its configuration has changed, as have most of the beaches along the northern Outerbanks of North Carolina. Obviously, an event such as this can negatively impact sea turtle nests still incubating in the sand. But does it have an impact on beach selection in future nesting seasons? Only time will tell, but as sea turtles have been experiencing hurricanes and other major climactic events for millions of years, the impact probably is minimal in the long term.

Posted by Matthew Godfrey at 07:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hurricane Isabel knocked down power lines, uprooted trees, cut a new inlet in Hatteras Island, and resulted in the loss of electricity for many places. When there is a loss of power, there is immediate concern for people and their homes. There is also the question of the impact of lack of electricity on animals. For instance, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos, and other institutions involved with animals rely on power to carry out their activities. When there is no power, things can be done to ensure that the animals are sufficiently cared for. This is the case with the loggerhead hatchlings being maintained in captivity at the Duke University Marine Laboratory, as part of a study on sex ratios. When the Marine Laboratory lost power during Hurricane Isabel, there were people who volunteered to care for the hatchlings and ensure that they were properly fed and had enough clean water. Luckily, the power shortage was short-term and before long the facilities where the turtles are held were back to normal. Unfortunately our neighbours in northern-eastern North Carolina, coastal Virginia and Washington, D.C. have not been as lucky.

Posted by Matthew Godfrey at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hurricane Isabelle came and went. It was not so bad in the center of the North Carolina coast. To the south it was less brutal, but the Outer Banks in the northern half of the state were hit hard and heavy. Fortunately most of the nests laid in the 2003 season had already emerged by the time Isabelle arrived, but high tides, large swashes and eroding tides have threatened the majority of the remaining nests. Few dead or injured turtles have been reported, although I did get a call about a lethargic loggerhead found in the water just down the street from my house. The volunteers, who monitor the beaches, take care of the nests and watch for strandings, are cleaning up the mess and trying to get back on schedule. With a little luck, most things might be back to normal by Monday.

The hurricane photo came from Hurricane Maps Enterprise.

Posted by Matthew Godfrey at 05:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Most of the sea turtle nests from the 2003 season have already emerged. For the remaining, there is little to be done. The surge is predicted to be between 2.5 and 7 meters high, which means that there is no section of beach that is safe from flooding. Then again, sea turtles have been weathering bad storms and hurricanes for hundreds of thousands of years; this is all part of the variable environment they live in.

What should you do when a hurricane with 105 mph winds is headed straight for you? Should you go inland and take the chance of being stuck away from home for one or two weeks because the roads are flooded out, or should you try to ride out the storm in your home, risking a tree branch crashing through the roof? Because I have not experienced a hurricane like this, I took an informal survey. My neighbours to the south packed up their car a few days ago and headed for the hills. My neighbours to the north put all their plants and things inside and told me “it’s not the wind but the rain that is hard.” Some folks down the street said that as long as the wind stays below 120 mph, we should be fine. My coworkers called me and told me to “Get out right now.” A garage mechanic told me that 80 mph winds are “no problem.” As you can see, opinions vary on the subject. As a solution, I decided to turn to my dog, as animals are supposed to have finely tuned sensitivity when it comes to massive natural events (for example, cockroaches supposedly can sense a soon-to-occur earthquake). Alas, I am not sure how to interpret what Hank is telling me, as he lies there sleeping. Either his powers of perception are keenly sharp (he is telling me to relax because the ensuing hurricane will be no big deal), or he is tired from chasing cats around.

Posted by Matthew Godfrey at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)