Genetics Research

Once again in 2023, and for the 8th year, we are participating in the loggerhead DNA research project at the University of Georgia.  By collecting the top egg in a loggerhead nest, the University of Georgia lab is able to analyze each for the mother’s DNA.. The DNA uniquely identifies each mother turtle.  From these results we can determine if, where, and when a particular female turtle has nested on Amelia Island or other participating research beaches (North Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina). This research has produced exciting results. 

Look at partial results including 2022

Look at partial results including 2019 and 2020.

Look at the results from 2018.

Look at the results from 2017.

Look at the results from 2016.

See also UGA genetic fingerprinting project details

We will continue to share results as they become available. Unfortunately, the project lost a major part of its funding. It costs approximately $30 to collect, analyze, and archive each genetic sample. If you would like to consider a donation to support this very important research, please see UGA Genetics Future Plans and Funding Request
.