Turtle Nesting Season Special

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Renowned for its conservation efforts, Jekyll Island also offers a Sea Turtle Center where you can learn about the turtles’ journey and efforts to protect them. Check out the night-time turtle walks. Artificial lights can disorient sea turtles, so it’s important to comply with beach lighting regulations to protect them.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Known for its beautiful shell-covered beaches, Sanibel Island is a prime location for turtle nesting. The island has strict lighting ordinances to protect nesting turtles, and several organizations offer educational programs. Baby turtles are vulnerable to predators and use moonlight to navigate from the nest to the shore. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages marine turtle lighting and monitors nesting numbers. Green sea turtles have shown an increase in nesting patterns in recent years. Loggerhead sea turtles also nest here, and conservation efforts are crucial for their survival. Loggerhead sea turtles laid numerous nests, but hatchlings face many challenges reaching the water. The sea turtle nesting season includes various species, each with unique behaviors and patterns. Ensuring a safe and successful sea turtle nesting season involves implementing turtle-friendly practices. During the annual nesting season in Florida, it’s important to avoid obstacles for nesting mothers and hatchlings. Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are actively studying and protecting sea turtles in southwest Florida. The FWC also tracks nesting numbers and provides guidelines for marine turtle lighting.

Bert’s Tips:

Best Practices to Protect Turtles and Their Habitat

While enjoying this natural spectacle, it’s crucial to follow guidelines to ensure the protection of these magnificent creatures and their environment.

• Respect Nesting Sites: Avoid disturbing marked nesting areas. Do not touch or interfere with nests, hatchlings, or turtles.

• Minimize Light Pollution: Use red filters on flashlights and avoid using flash photography. Bright lights can disorient turtles and hatchlings.

• Keep Beaches Clean: Dispose of all trash properly and participate in local beach cleanups. Litter can be harmful to turtles and other wildlife.

• Follow Local Guidelines: Participate in guided tours and educational programs offered by local conservation groups. They provide valuable information and help ensure that your experience is safe for the turtles.

• Remove Beach Furniture: Ensure the beach is free of barriers for nesting turtles and hatchlings.

• Create a Conducive Environment for Nesting Females: Use sea turtle-friendly lights and avoid interference with the nesting process.

• Protect Nesting Sea Turtles: Monitor their nesting numbers and ensure their safety.

• Protect Sea Turtle Hatchlings: Use sea turtle-friendly lights and avoid interference with the hatching process.

• Document and Monitor Sea Turtle Nests: This is crucial for conservation and research purposes.