Captiva Erosion Prevention District would like to remind residents and visitors of the sea turtles nesting and hatching on the beaches of Captiva in June and July.
With over 100 sea turtle nests on the beaches, counted by SCCF, it is imperative to know how sensitive the sea turtles are to white lights. Everyone can help protect the sea turtles by turning off their lights on the beach by sunset or replacing their white lights with shielded amber LEDs and possibly closing drapes or blinds in the house.
Tips to help keep the beaches sea turtle friendly:
- Turn off or shield all lights that are visible from the beach. Do not use flashlights or cell phone lights on the beach. If necessary, use amber or red LED bulbs.
- Do not disturb the screens covering nests. They prevent predators from eating the eggs and the hatchlings emerge through the holes without assistance.
- Remove all beach furniture and equipment from the beach at night.
- Dispose of fishing line properly to avoid wildlife entanglement.
- Fill in large holes that can trap hatchlings and nesting sea turtles.
- Do not disturb nesting turtles please do not to get too close, shine lights on or take flash photos of nesting sea turtles.
Pick up litter. - To report a sea turtle stranding, contact SCCF’s hotline at 978-728-3663.
For more info please visit http://www.sccf.org/
