Standard fencing consists of evenly spaced wooden slats wired together and supported by wooden posts. Remember that fabric-type fences are susceptible to ultraviolet degradation and may sag and lose its original shape, thus reducing performance. In order to maximize the benefits of sand fencing, routine maintenance and adjustments are necessary. Once sand fencing becomes buried, the benefits are no longer realized. Sea turtles nest on nearly all of North Carolina's coastal beaches, laying an average of 600 nests annually.
Sea turtles face many natural hazards and are also affected by human activities.
Careful planning can eliminate most of the human-caused hazards, such as the placement of sand fencing. Sand fencing placed on sea turtle nesting beaches may interfere with nesting activity if placed so that it forms a barrier between the mean high water mark and the primary dune where nests are typically deposited.