Protecting Florida's Turtles
Stay Updated And Follow Us Year Round
Here are some basic rules for turtle-friendly behavior:
Turn off or shield all lights that are visible from the beach
Where exterior lighting is necessary, use Amber or Red LED bulbs in appropriate fixtures that hide the bulb from the beach. Close drapes or blinds after dark. Avoid using cell phone, flashlights or fishing lanterns on the beach. Even light from cell phones can impact hatchlings. Fires and fireworks are not allowed. Rely on your night vision or moonlight when walking on the beach at night
Do not litter
Balloons, plastic bags, Styrofoam and other non-degradable pollutants cause the deaths of many sea turtles that mistake them for food. Dispose of fishing line in a proper container.
Do not disturb
Do not disturb nest sites or nest identification markers.
Do not harrass a turtle
Do not harass a turtle by touching or prodding her to move. Stay out of the way as she crawls back to the water.
Control your pets near turtles and nests
Keep pets on a leash, away from sea turtles and their nests.
Remove all beach furniture
Remove all beach furniture and equipment, boats, umbrellas, tents, toys, etc. from the beach at night.
Fill in large holes
Fill in large holes on the beach that can trap hatchlings.
No flash photography
Quietly observe a nesting turtle from a distance. Do not shine lights on or around her or she may abandon her nest. Stay far behind the turtle so that she cannot see you.
Call Turtle Time and Follow Instructions Below
If you find a hatchling wandering in daylight, place it on moist sand in a dry container, shade it and call Turtle Time, Inc. immediately.
(239)-481-5566
