The sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 to October 31 each year.
Here are the quick guidelines:
1. Turn off all lights that could draw attention away from the Gulf of Mexico to the land. No light should be shining toward the beach.
2. Do not leave anything like beach umbrellas, shoes, sand pales, etc on the beach. These are obstacles for the babies.
3. Fill in any holes you created – like when you are out building sand castles on our beautiful beaches.
4. Do not use flash photography to catch the little guys making their way back to the Gulf. You know how it feels to be ‘blinded by the light.” The babies won’t be able to find their way – so no flashes, please.
For more information, please see Sanibel-Captiva.org and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.