How Can You Help?
Though we cannot all be turtle patrollers, we can all take
action to save sea turtles. As an informed citizen you have power
and influence. Get involved and make your voice heard.
• Turn off flashlights on the beach and property lights visible from the
beach during nesting season (typically May through October). Sea turtle
hatchlings use light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at
night. Artificial lighting confuses the hatchlings and causes them to head inland instead
of out to sea, putting them in dangerous situations which can lead to death. Artificial
lights also discourage adult females from nesting on the beach. Short of turning off your lights,
you can also take measures to shield, redirect and lower the intensity of the lights on your property.
• Clean up trash you see on the beach and reduce the amount of garbage you produce. Sea turtles can become tangled
in plastic and trash both on the shore and in the water. Discarded items such as fishing lines, balloons and plastic bags
may also be confused for food and eaten by sea turtles, often resulting in injury or death.
• Be aware of sea turtle nesting areas and avoid nesting and hatching turtles. Sea turtles are cute and tempting to touch
and observe, but flashlights and people disturb turtles when they are nesting, or trying to nest, on the beach. Make
sure to give nesting areas plenty of space and do not disturb females as they emerge from the ocean looking for a place
to nest. Also be conscious of where nesting areas are so that you can avoid trampling the hatchlings as they head to
the water.
• Reduce the amount of chemicals you use. The chemicals you use on your lawn and in your home can actually wash
into the coastal waters, killing plants and animals. It is very important to properly dispose of toxic chemicals and, even
better, find alternative products such as biodegradable solutions.
• Volunteer! There are countless ways in which you can make a positive difference in the lives of sea turtles. Organize
a clean-up day with your friends and clear the beach of litter, give a presentation to your neighborhood or local school
on things they can do to save sea turtles and, most importantly, talk to others about what they can do to make sure they
are not putting these important creatures in danger.
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