Experts hopeful Ocean Isle Beach could see a rare leatherback turtle nest

Experts with the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization are hopeful the area will see its first leatherback turtle nest in 10 years.

Debra Allen, island coordinator with the sea turtle protection organization, said that there have been increased reports of jellyfish and leatherback turtles in the area.

Jellyfish, a common food source for sea turtles, are drawing turtles to the shore during their nesting season.

"We've never had this many jellyfish reported," Allen said.

The last time the area saw a rare leatherback nest was in 2010 on Holden Beach.

Leatherback sea turtles are most likely to lay their eggs in the first couple weeks of May, Allen said.

"We're all very excited," she said.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leatherback sea turtles are an endangered species. They are also the largest turtles in the world and can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh 1,000 pounds.

"It is estimated that the global population has declined 40% over the past three generations," according to the NOAA.

The number of nests worldwide has dropped from more than 12,000 in the 1980s to less than 1,000 in 2010, according to a report from the NOAA.

Allen said it's not clear why there are so many jellyfish in the waters right now. But if you are visiting Ocean Isle Beach and come across any, know it's a good sign.