World Sea Turtle Day 2025 Recap
Bald Head Island Conservancy joined the global celebration of World Sea Turtle Week from June 8–16 with a full lineup of hands-on events, education, and fun.
This year, BHIC kicked off the week with daily posts about the different kinds of sea turtles around the world, celebrated World Sea Turtle Day a little early on Friday, June 13th, and wrapped up with a sunrise proclamation from our Sea Turtle Biologist on the official World Sea Turtle Day — Monday, June 16th!
Throughout the week, the Conservancy’s Instagram, @BHIconservancy, shared information about different sea turtle species, their habitats, diets, and the threats they face. Our World Sea Turtle Day celebration on Friday was full of animal encounters, educational activities, and fun conservation-themed crafts!
Visitors could become sea turtle biologists in training by working up a turtle just like our turtle team does! From taking measurements to scanning for a PIT tag, they got a glimpse into what our team does each night when they come across a nesting mother. Don’t forget the red light! Guests got to see the world through a turtle’s eyes and learn about the importance of using red lights (and turning off house lights) at night by observing different colored lights through our special lenses.
Our new ambassador animal, Sporo the Diamondback Terrapin, helped guests learn about Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). Fishermen can use TEDs to reduce turtle bycatch in nets and lessen the fishing industry’s impact on sea turtle populations.
People also got to decorate turtles and pins! They could choose from many designs, whether repping their favorite ambassador animal or showcasing how they protect the environment.
The event was well attended, with over 200 people stopping by the Conservancy to celebrate with us! We’re so grateful to everyone who visited and took the time to learn about sea turtles and how to protect them.
You can keep the party going and help expand sea turtle conservation efforts every day by:
• Using red lights at night
• Filling in holes on the beach
• Reducing plastic consumption
• Turning off beach-facing lights in your home
• Removing chairs and items from the beach when you leave
• Keeping the environment clean
Missed our World Sea Turtle Day celebration but want to learn more about sea turtles and conservation on Bald Head Island? Stop by the Conservancy and visit our Fleming Education Center or sign up for one of our many Conservancy Programs! We offer a wide range of programs, including: Turtle Walks (BHIC Members only), Beach Patrol Ride-Along, Totally Turtles …and many more!
Check out our full program calendar at bhic.org/calendar.
More information about our sea turtle conservation work can be found at bhic.org/conservation/sea-turtle-protection-program.
BHIC’s sea turtle conservation work is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Permit 25ST14.
