What other options were considered before deciding on the current course of action?
A number of options and variations of options were considered throughout the eight weeks of plan development. The most frequently mentioned option in e-mails, blogs and letters to the editor is caging of the nests and collection of the hatchlings as they emerge. Variations included holding the hatchlings in aquariums until the threat of oil is past then releasing them back into the Gulf or until they were older then transported elsewhere for release. This was among the options considered. If only a small number of nests were involved such an option would perhaps be viable and even preferred. However, this is not the case and the logistical requirements associated with caging and providing 24-hour monitoring of hundreds of nests by qualified, permitted staff over a three-month period was deemed impractical. The biological risks included concerns that hatchlings would expend too much of their limited energy stores before or during the collection process, and those emerging during the day
