Page 16 - EIBC 21 Online Directory

HELP PROTECT THE SEA TURTLES!

Sea turtles spend most of their life at sea, but each year, beginning in May, the
females crawl ashore in the darkness of night right here on our local beaches
to dig a nest to lay their eggs. The use of our beaches by these turtles is vital
to their continued survival in Southwest Florida. As users of these beaches, we
have a unique opportunity and a special responsibility to protect these creatures
and their vulnerable nesting grounds. Sea turtles and people can coexist if we
take action to preserve and share this common habitat.

• May 1 through October 31 of each year, beach residents must shield all lights that can be seen from the beach from
9:00PM to 7:00AM. Turn off all lights that shine on the beach or are visible from the beach. Please close curtains and
blinds after 9:00PM.

Lights confuse the hatchlings causing them to wander inland and become lost and disoriented eventually resulting in their
death.

• Never stop a turtle that is returning to the sea.
• Leave nests, eggs, and hatchlings in peace - interfering with them is a federal offense!
• Place trash in trash cans, it can be a death trap for hatchlings.
• Sea turtles are protected by law! Help enforce these laws by reporting offenses.
• Nesting sea turtles are vunerable and timid and may be easily frightened away if they are disturbed, if you happen to
see one keep your distance.

For additional sea turtle information, please contact Turtle Time, Inc. at
(239) 481-5566