The sea turtle nesting season is underway along Florida’s beaches, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is encouraging both residents and visitors to help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
Sea turtles begin nesting in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast, from Brevard County to Broward County, while nesting starts on the Gulf Coast and northern Florida beaches in April or May. Florida’s shores provide essential nesting habitats for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, and beachgoers can play a key role in ensuring this year’s nesting season is a success.
Simple Ways You Can Help Protect Sea Turtles:
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Lights Out: Bright lights can disorient nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, causing them to head toward danger instead of the ocean. When walking on the beach at night, use natural starlight instead of flashlights or cellphones. Turn off porch, parking, or deck lights and close curtains to prevent lighting from disturbing sea turtles.
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Admire from Afar: It’s thrilling to see sea turtles on the beach, but getting too close can cause them to abandon their nesting process. Stay at least 50 feet away. Remember, it’s illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, or hatchlings.
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Clear the Beach: Obstacles like trash, holes, and beach furniture can block sea turtles from nesting or prevent hatchlings from reaching the ocean. Always clean up after yourself—properly dispose of trash, fill in sand holes, and remove toys or gear. Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, so dispose of it properly. Find a monofilament recycling station near you at MRRP.
Report Issues:
If you spot a sea turtle nest or turtle on Sanibel or Captiva Islands, please call the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.
For more tips on how to help protect sea turtles, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle. Let’s work together to give these magnificent creatures the best chance at a successful nesting season!
