Last year marked an exceptional period for sea turtle nesting along Florida’s coasts, with both loggerhead and green turtle nest numbers surpassing all previous records. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes the critical role that people can play in continuing this success. By adhering to a few simple guidelines, beachgoers can significantly increase the chances of another record-breaking nesting season for these endangered and threatened species.
Among the recommendations are clearing the beach of gear at day’s end, disposing of trash properly to deter predators, filling in any holes dug in the sand to prevent trapping turtles and humans alike, maintaining a respectful distance from nesting turtles, and minimizing artificial light exposure at night to avoid disorienting the turtles and their hatchlings.
As the sea turtle nesting season commences, the FWC reminds residents and visitors alike of the importance of our shores to these vulnerable creatures. By ensuring beaches remain clean, dark, and undisturbed, everyone can contribute to the protection of nesting sea turtles. Simple actions like removing beach toys and furniture before sunset, stashing trash and recyclables properly, and managing fishing line waste can make a substantial difference. Additionally, minimizing beachfront lighting by using natural starlight for navigation, turning off porch and parking lights, and drawing curtains can help guide hatchlings safely to the sea instead of towards danger.
Given Florida’s crucial role as a nesting habitat for several species of sea turtles, public cooperation is paramount. Witnessing these majestic creatures as they embark on their nesting journey is indeed thrilling, but it’s vital to admire from a distance, refraining from any actions that could disrupt their natural behaviors.
For more information about nesting sea turtles and how you can help, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or see the FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. Other ways to help sea turtles include reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
