Latest news with #TybeeIslandMarineScienceCenter
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
18th annual Tybee Turtle Trot welcomes hundreds of runners
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — Tybee Island kicked off sea turtle nesting season with the 18th Annual Turtle Trot 5K Beach Run On Saturday. More than 375 participants — ages 4 to 8 — completed the 3.1-mile route along the shoreline. Proceeds from the 5K go towards The Tybee Sea Turtle Project at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center (TIMSC) and a beach terrain vehicle to better respond to stranded loggerhead sea turtles and their hatchlings. The Tybee Sea Turtle Project is a conservation project permitted through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to monitor and protect sea turtles on Tybee Island. While growing strong and healthy, our current resident sea turtles, Westie and Ossie, educate visitors on the impacts affecting sea turtle populations and our conservation efforts to protect them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned by eye-catching bird's incredible comeback: 'Amazing job'
With shorebird populations dwindling significantly over the last 40 years, the stunning comeback of the American oystercatcher is not only a positive addition to our environment's health but also a beacon of hope for the future of shorebird repopulation. American oystercatcher numbers were as low as about 10,000 in 2009, but Shiloh Schulte, senior shorebird scientist at Manomet, launched population studies that have ultimately helped the species flourish. The eye-catching coastal bird, with its long red-orange bill, stunning red-yellow eyes, black head, and brown and white body, found on Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, is crucial to the ecosystem of salt marshes and barrier beaches. The American oystercatcher's name comes from its diet of mostly shellfish, which it pries open with its powerful, pointed beak. Recognizing the direness of the shorebird's endangerment status, the American Oystercatcher Working Group and Manomet funneled $10 million into conservation efforts to protect the American oystercatcher across 10 years. These efforts include predation and disturbance management, such as limiting human interference, an approach that has previously benefited other bird species, including western snowy plovers. Manomet has also implemented habitat restoration efforts and coordinated monitoring of the birds to gather further knowledge and data to protect them. Fifteen years later, the outcome is remarkable. According to a Facebook post by Manomet, "Targeted recovery efforts over the past 15 years resulted in a 45% population rebound." Stephen Brown, vice president of science at Manomet, said, "Long-term migration studies have been crucial in highlighting the broader shorebird crisis," according to Environment + Energy Leader. With the new data and success from the oystercatcher's conservation model, other diminishing species of shorebirds have a chance to repopulate and thrive. To continue its work with American oystercatchers, Manomet, along with the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, hosted the Tybee Spring Shorebird Festival on Feb. 20 to continue raising awareness of the American oystercatcher and other shorebirds. On a Manomet Instagram post following the event, one commenter said, "Amazing job!!!" Another said, "It was a great festival!" Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Though both shorebirds and the broader group of feathered, flying vertebrates face endangerment concerns, the oystercatcher's story of resilience and prosperity shines a light on the possibilities of repopulation. Now, with nearly 45,000 American oystercatchers taking flight, the future looks bright and bird-filled. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
