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Lights Out: Save Hatchling Sea Turtles Now!
7 Sep
Summary
- 179 sea turtle nests remain unhatched on Anna Maria Island.
- Over 1,900 hatchlings were disoriented by artificial lights.
- Turtle season continues until October 31st, demanding vigilance.
On Anna Maria Island, 179 out of 458 sea turtle nests have yet to hatch this season, prompting calls for residents and visitors to darken beaches. Organizers are urging the public to turn off lights to aid hatchlings in finding the Gulf of Mexico. This season, it's estimated that between 1,974 and 4,470 hatchlings were disoriented by artificial lighting, with 171 found dead.
Sea turtles navigate by the moon and stars, relying on dark dune backgrounds to reach the ocean. Artificial lights, including spotlights, pool lights, and even cellphones, can disrupt this natural process by creating a false horizon. Until turtle season concludes on October 31st, efforts include ensuring property lights are turtle-friendly, avoiding lights on the beach at night, and educating vacation renters to keep blinds closed.
Additionally, beachgoers are reminded to fill in holes and remove furniture and trash to ensure hatchlings can move freely. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is excavating nests post-hatching to assess success rates, noting that Tropical Storm Bertha negatively impacted some nests due to inundation.
