FLORIDA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding residents and visitors that sea turtle nesting season has begun and urging simple steps to protect vulnerable nesting adults and hatchlings while enjoying Florida’s beaches.
Sea turtles typically begin returning to nest in March along the state’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, the commission said. Nesting on the Gulf Coast and north Florida beaches generally starts in April or May.
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The commission recommended that people keep beaches clean and dark, give turtles space and minimize disturbances.
Lights on or near the beach can misdirect nesting females and newly hatched turtles, leading them away from the ocean and toward danger. The FWC advised using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night only when necessary, turning off porch, parking and deck lights when not in use, and closing curtains after dark to prevent light from reaching the beach. If lighting is visible from the beach, it should be long wavelength, mounted low and shielded.
People should admire nesting turtles from a distance. Getting within 50 feet can cause nesting females to abandon the process, and it is illegal to harm, disturb or handle nesting sea turtles, their nests, eggs or hatchlings, the commission said.
Obstacles and debris on the beach can block females as they crawl ashore to nest and can trap hatchlings trying to reach the water. The FWC urged beach users to remove toys, gear and furniture from the sand before sunset, fill in human-made holes, properly stow or recycle trash and avoid leaving food scraps that attract predators such as raccoons and crows.
Fishing line poses a particular hazard to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife; anglers should dispose of line properly. Monofilament recycling station locations are available at mrrp.MyFWC.com.
The commission said following these steps helps increase the chances that nesting turtles complete their nests and hatchlings reach the ocean safely.