In the summer of 2008 tropical storm Fay stalled off the coast of Florida for 7 days, churned the ocean into huge waves and dropped 22 inches of rain. Many low lying housing areas were flooded. The sand was washed away and many of the boardwalks and steps were also washed away or severely damaged. In some areas around Vero Beach the sand dropped off 6 to 8 feet, and extended well up toward the sea grass. Unfortunately about 30% of the Sea Turtle nests were lost. Once the egg chamber is exposed it is quickly attacked by sand crabs, birds or stray dogs. Even the next high tide can wash them away. One of the research people told me that it is rare to be able to save the eggs. She said to incubate them they have to go back into a new egg chamber in the same order and in the same position that they were originally laid. Also if they have been exposed long enough for the temperature to drop that makes their survival very uncertain. It was sad to come upon this scene, but I share it as evidence of the huge obstacles the Sea Turtles face. Very few survive to adulthood.