Sea Turtle nesting season is underway in Florida and residents in the Space Coast are making it a priority to help protect the hatchlings.
The Space Coast is one of the most important nesting grounds for sea turtles and environmental scientists suggest beachgoers keep their distance from the turtle nests and surrounding buildings should avoid using bright lights.
“At this time of year were looking for the first crawl, first nest and then later on in the season after the nests incubate, we’re looking for hatchlings’” said Carol McCoy a volunteer.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, loggerhead turtles, green turtles and leatherback turtles build their nests along Florida beaches. Last year the state recorded the highest number of loggerhead and green turtle nests ever.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says many of the 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks Provide nesting habits for sea turtles.
According to biologists, there are simple steps that everyone can take to share Florida’s beaches with sea turtles and hatchlings:
- Give nesting adults and their hatchlings space and take care not to disturb them.
- Turn off artificial lighting near beaches at night during nesting season.
- Properly dispose of food items to decrease predation from wildlife.
- Properly dispose of debris like fishing line, netting and plastics.
- Keep obstacles such as beach furniture off the beach during nesting season.
- Participate in beach cleanup events.
- Avoid buying items derived from sea turtles.
The majority of nesting takes place between March and October.