The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging both residents and visitors to play a role in protecting sea turtles during nesting season.
For sea turtles along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast—from Brevard County down to Broward County—March marks the start of nesting season, with activity ramping up in April or May.
These shorelines serve as critical nesting grounds for several threatened and endangered sea turtle species, meaning every step taken by beachgoers counts.
The FWC is highlighting simple ways people can support nesting turtles and their hatchlings: giving them plenty of room, reducing disturbances, and keeping beaches clean and dark.
One key focus is lighting. Artificial lights—from flashlights, cellphones, or even porch bulbs—can confuse nesting turtles and their hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean and toward danger.
The FWC recommends using natural light when walking the beaches at night to protect sea turtles. Avoid using bright devices, especially artificial lighting.
For residents and visitors along the coast, switching off outdoor lights when not in use and drawing curtains after dark can help. If lights are still visible from the beach, they should be long, low, and shielded to minimize disruption.
Another tip: Spotting a sea turtle on the beach is a thrill, but getting too close—within 50 feet—can spook a nesting female, causing her to abandon her efforts. The FWC warns that it’s illegal to interfere with nesting turtles, their nests, eggs, or hatchlings.
Female turtles push themselves ashore to reach safe nesting spots. Obstacles like trash, sand holes, or forgotten beach gear can trap them or block their path. Once hatchlings emerge, those same hazards can stop them from reaching the water.
Leftover food scraps draw predators like raccoons and crows, while litter—especially fishing line—can entangle turtles and other wildlife. The solution? Pack out all trash, recycle what you can, fill in any holes, and clear the beach of toys, chairs, and gear by sunset. For fishing line, the FWC points to monofilament recycling stations.
Want to learn more or get involved? The FWC’s website, MyFWC.com/SeaTurtles and its Be a Beach Hero brochure offer plenty of details. If you spot a sick, injured, entangled, or dead sea turtle, the agency encourages calling their Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
As Florida’s beaches come alive withFlorida’sactivity, a little care from visitors and locals alike could ensure these ancient mariners thrive for another season.
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