Be a holiday hero for nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this Fourth of July
Heading to the shore this holiday weekend? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shares the reminder that nesting season is still underway for sea turtles, shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds all along our coasts. You can help support their nesting success by packing along these sea turtle and waterbird friendly tips when planning your time at the shore:
- Keep fireworks to the professionals: Leave personal fireworks off the beach and at home; attend an official event instead. The loud sounds and bright lights of personal fireworks on beaches and adjacent waterways can significantly disorient and disrupt nesting sea turtles and waterbirds, as well as their hatchlings and chicks. Local municipalities planning future events can reach out to FWC Regional Shorebird Contacts for guidance.
- Clear the way at the end of the day: Properly dispose of all trash, fill in man-made holes in the sand, and remove all beach toys and furniture from the beach before dark. Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting. Trash and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests, as well as entangle shorebirds, turtles and other wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that can prey on sea turtle hatchlings, as well as shorebird eggs and chicks.
- Lights out: Lights on or near the beach can misdirect turtles and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger. If on beachfront property, turn off outside lights whenever possible and close curtains after dark to ensure nesting turtles are not disturbed or disoriented as they come ashore and hatchlings will not become disoriented when they emerge from their nests. Make sure any exterior lighting adjacent to nesting beaches is long wavelength, mounted low and shielded. Avoid using flashlights or cell phone lights and taking flash photos after dark on the beach.
- Give them space: Florida’s sandy beaches provide important spring and summer nesting habitat for several species of federally threatened and endangered sea turtles. While it can be exciting to spot a sea turtle nesting on the beach, give them plenty of space (50 feet or more) to avoid causing turtles to leave the beach before they complete the nesting process. All species of sea turtles and their nests are protected and should not be disturbed — it is illegal to harm, harass or take nesting sea turtles, their eggs and hatchlings.
- Do the flock walk: Our coastlines provide important nesting, resting and foraging habitat for imperiled beach-nesting birds, while colonies of wading birds typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast. To help with nesting success, keep at least 300 feet from nesting waterbirds to avoid causing them to fly off, potentially leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks unprotected. Keep in mind that shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their tiny eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on.
- Keep out of posted areas: Be on the lookout for posted nesting sites and signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas on the beach or coastal islands – these areas are closed to public access to protect wading birds and shorebirds while they nest and raise their chicks. Help protect sea turtle nests by keeping out of marked nests and keeping pets leashed and away from any posted areas.
- Keep pets away from wildlife: Pet owners can help by keeping dogs at home or on a short leash and far away from wildlife when at pet-friendly beaches. Even well-behaved dogs can be seen as predators by shorebirds, causing them to flush and leave their eggs and chicks.
For more information about nesting waterbirds, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Visit the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts.
For more information about nesting sea turtles and how you can help, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or see the FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. You can also help by reporting sightings of marine turtles that are injured, in distress, or dead to the FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Please report wildlife violations to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).