Although sea turtle nesting season officially starts May 1, Volusia County managed beaches already have three leatherback nests. One of them, which was discovered April 2, is the earliest recorded sea turtle nest on county managed beaches.
With water temperatures warming up quickly, hundreds of sea turtles will be emerging from the surf to lay eggs on the beach in the next few months.
After incubating in the sand for about two months, tiny hatchlings will break free of their eggshells and make an often treacherous crawl to the ocean, dodging predators, holes, trash and beach furniture. Tragically, some will also be led into harm’s way by beachfront lighting.
It’s estimated that only about one in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings will make it safely to sexual maturity, which may take 10 to 25 years.
Ryan Chabot, manager of Volusia County’s sea turtle Habitat Conservation Plan, wants to improve those odds, and he could use the public’s help.
“We want to make Volusia County beaches safe, inviting places for humans and sea turtles,” he said. “We encourage residents and visitors alike to respect our wildlife. Let the night provide the light and keep our beaches clean, dark and flat.”
“Artificial lighting is a human made threat we can correct with minimal effort,” he added. “Bright lights can discourage adult female sea turtles from nesting and confuse hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and into streets or storm drains. By simply redirecting lights away from the beach and turning them off when not in use, beachfront residents can allow natural moonlight and starlight to guide nesting females and hatchlings and keep them out of danger.”
During the nesting season, oceanfront property owners are required to shield, redirect or turn off lights so they don’t shine on the beach. The county’s Environmental Management Division works with beachfront property owners throughout the year, educating them about the sea turtle lighting ordinance.
Residents and visitors can also help save sea turtle lives by following these tips on the beach:
- Do not touch or disturb sea turtles or their nests. It’s important that hatchlings make their own way to the ocean.
- Do not disturb the dune system or plants. Use designated beach access points and do not walk on the dunes.
- When driving at the beach, use the designated traffic lanes and parking areas. Beach driving access hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the nesting season, tide permitting.
- Do not use flash photography at night.
- Do not use cellphones to light your way at night.
- Use only red LED flashlights; they are less visible to turtle eyes.
- After a day at the beach, flatten sandcastles, fill in holes, and take your chairs and equipment with you. This is an easy way to reduce obstacles faced by sea turtles.
- Dispose of trash and recyclables in proper receptacles. Trash left on the beach can attract predators that impact sea turtle nests.
- Do not use fireworks. They are not only prohibited on the beach at all times, but they can be disruptive to turtles.
- If you see a nesting adult sea turtle or hatchlings making their way to the ocean, admire them from a safe distance. Stand far away, remain calm, and quietly enjoy this special experience. If a turtle appears to be in immediate danger, notify a lifeguard or Beach Safety officer or call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922.
Nesting season runs through Oct. 31. During a typical year, 400 to 500 nests are laid in Volusia County. Last year’s season was the fourth highest nesting season on record, with 780 nests counted.
For more information about Volusia County’s sea turtle program, call (386) 238-4668 or visit www.volusiaseaturtles.org. For questions about sea turtle friendly lighting, call (386) 238-4773.
Original source can be found here.
