Artificial lighting may be the best thing since the discovery of fire for human beings, but for sea turtles coming ashore it can cause them to lose their way, ultimately resulting in the loss of nests and future sea turtles. Sea turtles come ashore to build nests and lay eggs from May to October along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

 

“The light disorients the nesting mama sea turtles,” said Mike Reynolds of Share the Beach, the sea turtle volunteer program. “When the eggs hatch, the light attracts the baby sea turtles away from the water to their eventual death.” Three varieties of sea turtles call the Alabama Gulf Coast home, including Kemp’s ridley, green and loggerhead. All sea turtle varieties that nest here are considered endangered.

 

There are several ways to help nesting sea turtles avoid hazards that might harm their trek across the beach:

 

  • Close blinds and draperies in gulf-front rooms at night and turn off or redirect outside lights to keep artificial lighting from reaching the beach.
  • Take your beach gear with you when you leave each night (also a rule of Leave Only Footprints). Lounge chairs, tents, umbrellas and sand toys can get in the way of nesting turtles and prevent hatchlings from reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Remain calm and at a distance if you see a turtle on the beach at night. Human disturbance may keep her from nesting successfully.
  • Avoid using flash photography or flashlights on the beach at night.

 

sea turtles cuteFor more information about Share the Beach, email [email protected]

or call 866-Sea-Turtle (866-732-8878).