The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging beachgoers to help protect sea turtles and waterbirds during the Fourth of July weekend. Nesting season is currently underway for several imperiled species, including sea turtles, shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds.
Florida's beaches serve as critical nesting habitats for threatened and endangered sea turtles such as loggerhead, leatherback, green sea turtles, and occasionally Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. These areas are also vital for beach-nesting birds like black skimmers, least terns, snowy plovers, and American oystercatchers.
The FWC recommends several measures to ensure the safety of these species:
- Avoid walking through flocks of birds on the beach and give them at least 300 feet of space.
- Maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from nesting sea turtles to prevent disturbing them.
- Respect posted areas that designate Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs) which are closed to public access.
- Properly dispose of trash and remove obstacles from the beach before sunset.
- Turn off lights or close curtains after dark to avoid disorienting nesting turtles.
- Refrain from using personal fireworks on the beach.
"Never enter posted areas," an FWC representative emphasized. "Whether on the water or on land, be on the lookout for posted nesting sites."
Beachgoers are also advised to keep pets away from wildlife when visiting pet-friendly beaches. Dogs can be perceived as predators by shorebirds, causing them to abandon their nests.
For more information about nesting waterbirds and how to participate in conservation efforts, visit MyFWC.com/Shorebirds or FLShorebirdAlliance.org. For details on protecting sea turtles, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or refer to the FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. To report disturbances or injured wildlife, contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).