The Issue of Lights

SEA TURTLES

  THE ISSUE OF LIGHTS

OTHER HAZARDS

SEA TURTLE AND COASTAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

FOR MORE INFORMATION ...

On a natural beach, the lighter seaward horizon guides the hatchlings to the water.  Artificial lights, however, confuse the hatchlings and they wander inland.  Lost and disoriented, they soon die from dehydration, heat exhaustion or they are crushed on nearby streets. Lee County itself contains over 40 miles of beach habitat suitable for sea turtle nesting.  In an effort to help this threatened species survive, all local coastal governments have adopted and do enforce Sea Turtle Conservation Codes. 

picture courtesy of Turtle Time Inc.

Compliance with these regulations has resulted in thousands of successful sea turtle hatchlings safely reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Sea turtles are protected under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) as well as the Florida Statutes.  Violations defined by ESA include harassing a nesting female, taking hatchlings or disturbing a nest.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

May 1 through October 31 of each year, beach residents must shield all lights that can be seen from the beach from 9pm to 7am.  Light can travel great distances so shielding is important to reduce visible light along the beach.

Lights may not directly or indirectly illuminate the beach.  Even reflected light can disorient sea turtles.  Interior lights can also illuminate the beach.  Please close curtains or blinds after 9pm.

Lights visible from the beach alters the critical nocturnal behavior of sea turtles . . . how female sea turtles choose their nesting sites, how they return to the sea after nesting and how the newly emerged hatchlings find their way to the ocean.

Motorized vehicles and open fires are not allowed on the beach during the sea turtle nesting season.

bollards (low profile lights) along a sidewalk

bollard with lovers and a 180 degree shield on the beach side

shielded lighting with dune vegetation between the lights and beach

downlight on 12 foot pole in parking lot

downlight with shield and baffle

downlight