Every year, Sanibel Island collaborates with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and dedicated volunteers to safeguard its precious shorelines, crucial habitats for nesting shorebirds and endangered sea turtles. Beachgoers and boaters play a vital role in ensuring these species can thrive safely.
Protecting Shorebirds
The shorebird nesting season spans from February through August. Shorebirds lay their eggs in shallow, camouflaged scrapes in the sand or seashells, making them vulnerable to unintentional disturbances.
To protect these birds:
- Respect Posted Areas: Always avoid marked nesting and resting zones. Stick to designated beach paths and dune walkovers.
- Keep a Safe Distance: If your presence causes birds to fly away, step back immediately. Eggs and chicks left unattended are vulnerable to predators and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Disturbances: Never intentionally scare or chase birds. Unnecessary flight wastes their vital energy needed for nesting and migration.
- Control Pets: Even friendly pets can threaten nesting birds. Keep pets restrained or leashed (maximum 8 feet as per Sanibel Code Section 10-62).
- Maintain Clean Beaches: Dispose of all waste properly. Food scraps attract predators, and litter can harm wildlife.
Watch the city’s informative video on protecting shorebirds here.
For additional resources, visit SanCap Lifesavers.
Protecting Sea Turtles
Sea turtle nesting occurs from mid-April through October. Nesting turtles face threats such as boat collisions, fishing line entanglements, and disorientation caused by artificial lighting.
To help sea turtles:
- Follow Beachfront Lighting Rules: Gulf-front property owners must adhere to Sanibel’s marine turtle protection lighting ordinances (Sanibel Code Sections 74-181 to 74-183 and 126-996 to 126-1002).
- Avoid Artificial Lights: Refrain from using flashlights, flash photography, or phone lights near nesting sites, as these can disorient turtles.
- Remove Beach Items: Clear the beach of furniture, toys, and trash between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. to prevent hindering nesting turtles and hatchlings (Sanibel Code Section 126-638).
- Leave No Trace: Flatten sandcastles and fill holes before leaving, ensuring turtles have clear paths to and from the water.
Report violations immediately to:
- Sanibel Police: 239-472-3111
- Sanibel Code Enforcement: 239-472-4555
- Natural Resources Department: 239-472-3700
For queries about beachfront lighting, contact sandnr@mysanibel.com.
Your cooperation helps preserve Sanibel Island’s incredible wildlife for generations to come.
