Nesting season for sea turtles has commenced along Florida’s beaches, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to remind both residents and visitors of their role in protecting these vulnerable creatures. The nesting process typically starts in March on Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, while it begins in April or May on the Gulf Coast or northern Florida beaches.
Florida’s shorelines are vital habitats for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles. Beachgoers can influence the success of this year’s nesting season by taking simple steps to protect these animals. Key actions include giving sea turtles space, minimizing disturbances, and maintaining clean and dark beaches.
To prevent misdirection and disturbance of nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, beachgoers should rely on natural starlight at night instead of using flashlights or cellphones. Residents living near beaches are encouraged to turn off porch, parking, or deck lights when not in use and close curtains after dark to avoid disorienting the turtles. If any lighting is visible from the beach, it should be long, low, and shielded.
Getting too close to nesting sea turtles can cause them to abandon their nests before completing the process. It is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests and eggs, or pick up hatchlings.
Obstacles such as trash and holes in the sand can hinder female sea turtles from laying eggs far enough up the sand where they are less vulnerable to tides. These obstacles also impede hatchlings’ journey to the water once they emerge from nests. Food scraps left behind attract predators that prey on hatchlings. Litter can entangle various wildlife species including birds and other marine animals.
Beachgoers are urged to properly dispose of trash, fill in man-made holes in the sand, remove beach toys and gear before sunset, and responsibly discard fishing lines which pose a threat to wildlife.
For further information about nesting sea turtles or ways you can help them during this crucial time, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or refer to FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. Reports concerning sick, injured, entangled or deceased sea turtles should be directed to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
