Help Save Florida Gulf Coast Turtles

What You Can Do To Help Save Anna Maria Island Sea Turtles...

Sea Turtles on and around Anna Maria Island are endangered.

What follows is a short list of common sense things you can do to help protect the turtles while you are a guest on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key or any where else along the Florida Gulf coast.

• Please refer to the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Rescue Page should you find a hatchling, turtle, or an exposed nest.
• Minimize beachfront lighting visible from the beach.
• Do not approach an adult turtle coming out of the water to nest. You may startle her and she may return to the water without nesting.
• Do not position yourself in front of a nesting female. This action may cause her to abort her nesting attempt.
• Avoid using flashlights or flash cameras. Lights disrupt or disorient nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings.
• Watch for and avoid hatchlings emerging from a nest. They are small and easily stepped on in the dark.
• Use care while on the beach at night during nesting season.
• Please walk along the water line.

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