North Carolina Marine Turtles 
103 
or fall indicate extensive migratory movements (Fig. 2). All known North 
Carolina records are presented in Table 1, and seasons of occurrence for 
all live individuals reported from New Jersey to South Carolina, includ- 
ing Bermuda, are provided in Figure 2. 
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL SUMMER AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 
Fig. 2. Sightings by month for live Dermochelys recorded from NJ, DE, MD, 
VA, NC, SC, and Bermuda (1835-1980). Multiple sources. 
Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata (Linnaeus). Atlantic Hawksbill 
One adult of this species was sighted ca. 20 miles (32.3 km) east of 
Oregon Inlet on 22 June 1977 by Ray E. Ashton, Jr. (NCSM). Only four 
previous records were known for North Carolina waters: 3 July 1970, 31 
July 1973, and 14 October and 10 November 1975 (Schwartz 1977). 
Ashton’s sighting is the earliest known date of occurrence for this area. 
Chelonia mydas mydas (Linnaeus). Atlantic Green Turtle 
One medium-sized adult was seen sunning on the surface 12 to 18 miles 
(19 to 29 km) east-northeast of Oregon Inlet on 25 May 1977. Water 
depth was 50 fathoms, and water temperature was 20^ C. Schwartz 
(1977) stated that individuals over 13.5 kg (30 lb.) are rare in North 
