What You Can Do To Save the Sea Turtle...
Sea turtles once populated our oceans by the millions.
Unfortunately over the last 100 years their numbers have been drastically reduced due to increasing demand for sea turtle meat, eggs, and other turtle by-products, as well as a loss of habitat, commercial fishing, pollution and artificial light.
The Danger of Artificial Light
The main danger for hatchling sea turtles comes from artificial lighting. When the baby turtles emerge from their nest, they instinctively move in the direction of the brightest light. Normally, this would be the open night sky reflected by the ocean however, on a developed beach, artificial lights attract the hatchlings in the wrong direction.
Other dangers include obstructions on the beach, such as beach chairs, holes, or tire tracks, all of which can block their path to the sea.
What You Can Do To Help Save Turtle Hatchlings
If you are visiting, or live near the beach, there are a number of things you can do help ensure the save passage of sea turtle hatchlings from their nest to the ocean.
- Keeping outside lights off during turtle season from May through October.
- Make sure to remove chairs, umbrellas and other gear from the beach each night.
- Level all sand castles and fill any holes dug during play.
- Please pick up all trash. Sea turtles mistakenly eat debris, especially plastic, which results in death.
- Never buy products made from sea turtles or any other endangered species.
If You See A Turtle
If you encounter a nesting sea turtle on the beach stay clear. Do not shine lights or take flash photographs. When frightened the nesting turtle will return to the water where she will drop her eggs. If you see an injured, nesting or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-DIAL FMP.
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