Explore Pensacola Beach
Beach lighting makes sea turtles vulnerable; inexpensive changes will help save their lives
Of the seven species of sea turtles, four nest in the dunes of Santa Rosa Island and other Gulf-front areas from May through August, and the babies hatch from mid-July to the end of October. At hatching time, up to 150 babies burst from the nest and dash to the relative safety of the Gulf of Mexico. Moving quickly from the nest to the sea is vital to their survival.
Hatchling Disorientation
Light pollution from developed areas causes hatchlings to crawl in the wrong direction at night. Hatchlings are drawn to the brightest horizon, which historically was the moon-lit waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the south, but can now be the artificially lit urban area to the north including street lights, porch and deck lights - even lights visible through windows of buildings hundreds of feet away. Disoriented hatchlings that crawl northward away from the water typically fall prey to ghost crabs, foxes or other predators; get lost in the sand dunes; or are hit by passing cars. To help save disoriented hatchlings, volunteers and staff watch nests closely during hatch time, intervening and moving disoriented hatchlings closer to the Gulf of Mexico where they can crawl into the surf and swim seaward.
How can I help?
Residents and visitors to Gulf beaches can help make conditions safer for sea turtles during their nesting and hatching season, which begins May 1 and concludes October 31. Less light means a better chance of survival for the sea turtles, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act:
- Remove unneeded fixtures or lights.
- Place outdoor lights on motion sensors so they don't burn needlessly.
- Attach shields to block beachside lights or use directional fixtures which can be aimed down and away from the beach.
- Tint windows; close curtains after dark.
- Use low-pressure sodium vapor lights or yellow "bug" lights of 50 watts or less; they're less likely to attract sea turtles.
- Reduce height of fixtures or place lights below dune line or shield with vegetation.
- Do not use spotlights or flashlights on or near the beach.