After Hurricane Erin swept through North Carolina’s coast, it left behind heartbreaking destruction—not just for communities, but for nature too. Along several stretches of shoreline, more than half of sea turtle nests were wiped out. For a species already struggling to survive, this is a devastating blow.

Sea turtles have been laying their eggs on our shores for generations. But laws in North Carolina that prohibit any human intervention in the hatching process—designed to protect natural behavior—are now working against their survival. These rules were created with the best intentions, but in the face of a natural disaster, we must adapt.

Wildlife officials, marine biologists, and trained volunteers are ready to help. They could assist in protecting the remaining nests, relocating them when necessary, and guiding hatchlings safely to the ocean. But right now, their hands are tied by laws that make no exception for disaster recovery.

We’re calling on Governor Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and the North Carolina General Assembly to issue a temporary exception to current sea turtle protections. Let experts step in—not to interfere with nature, but to give it a fighting chance.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about stewardship. If we have the tools and knowledge to protect what’s left of this year’s hatchlings, we have a responsibility to act. These turtles are not just beautiful animals—they’re a vital part of our coastal ecosystems, and their survival depends on what we do next.

Please join us in urging North Carolina to allow compassionate, science-based intervention this nesting season. Sea turtles don’t get second chances. We do.

Sign if you agree: it’s time for North Carolina to make an emergency exception and help save our sea turtles before it’s too late.