vacationing in a beachside property
Spending time on the beach is incredible, especially for vacation!
However, it is important that we are mindful beach go-ers to protect our sea turtles. Artificial light pollution from a beachside property can lead to the disorientation of hatchlings and nesting female sea turtles, leading to dehydration, predation, or even being struck by a vehicle on a roadway. Additionally, physical obstacles such as forgotten beach chairs, can impact sea turtle nesting even if these items are left for only one night.
However, it is important that we are mindful beach go-ers to protect our sea turtles. Artificial light pollution from a beachside property can lead to the disorientation of hatchlings and nesting female sea turtles, leading to dehydration, predation, or even being struck by a vehicle on a roadway. Additionally, physical obstacles such as forgotten beach chairs, can impact sea turtle nesting even if these items are left for only one night.
watch this short video from the sea turtle conservancy
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This short 6-minute video is a great educational tool for "Sea Turtles & Light Pollution 101"-- highly recommended before you continue reading.
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being mindful while staying at a vacation rental:
There are many simple actions you can take to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, especially from March-January!
Note: Brevard County has a Lights Out for Sea Turtles Ordinance from May 1st-October 31st. However preventing light pollution is especially VITAL, in addition to preventing obstacles, for the entirety of sea turtle nesting season starting March 1st with later hatchlings emerging in January.
Note: Brevard County has a Lights Out for Sea Turtles Ordinance from May 1st-October 31st. However preventing light pollution is especially VITAL, in addition to preventing obstacles, for the entirety of sea turtle nesting season starting March 1st with later hatchlings emerging in January.
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Preventing light pollution at night:
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Preventing physical obstacles for sea turtles:
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Artificial light pollution from a beachside property can lead to the disorientation of hatchlings and nesting female sea turtles, leading to deydration, predation, or even being struck by a vehicle on a roadway. |
Physical obstacles, such as forgotten beach chairs and sandcastles, can impact sea turtle nesting even if these items are left for only one night. For example, nesting turtles can be caught in chairs and hatchlings can get stuck in holes, leading to dehydration and predation.
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looking for a sea turtle experience?
Join these organizations for one of their Sea Turtle Night Walks and/ or Nest Digs!
Note: Both events are permitted by FWC, giving these organizations permission to bring guests within a closer distance to sea turtles in a safe, educational, and legal manner. This cannot be done on your own as sea turtles are federally protected species and are protected by federal law.
Note: Both events are permitted by FWC, giving these organizations permission to bring guests within a closer distance to sea turtles in a safe, educational, and legal manner. This cannot be done on your own as sea turtles are federally protected species and are protected by federal law.
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Sea Turtle Night Walks
An opportunity to watch a sea turtle nest on our beaches under the guidance of trained individuals with an FWC permit. |
Sea Turtle Nest Digs
A chance to witness the scientific evaluation of a sea turtle nest, 3 days after hatchlings have emerged and left the nest. Sometimes we find a little friend who needs to be kept for rehabilitation or will be released. |
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Organizations that offer Night Walks in Brevard County:
Stella Maris Environmental Research Friends of the Carr Refuge Sea Turtle Conservancy Sebastian Inlet State Park |
Organizations that offer Nest Digs in Brevard County:
Stella Maris Environmental Research Friends of the Carr Refuge Sea Turtle Conservancy |
This information has been provided by:
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Stella Maris Environmental Research is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in Melbourne Beach FL, focused on sea turtle conservation, research, and environmental education.
CLICk-- the Coastal Lighting Impacts Coalition, a group comprising scientists: federal, state, and local conservation agencies; and conservation and research nonprofits.
CLICk-- the Coastal Lighting Impacts Coalition, a group comprising scientists: federal, state, and local conservation agencies; and conservation and research nonprofits.
Members of click
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