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Artificial Lighting

Nesting turtles now face competition from tourists and coastal development, with lights disorienting hatchlings and harming survival.
The Problem

Bright Lights Dangerous for Hatchlings and Nesting Turtles

Nesting sea turtles used to have no trouble finding a quiet, dark beach on which to nest, but now they must compete with tourists, businesses and coastal residents for use of sandy beaches. Beaches are now lined with seaside condominiums, houses, hotels and restaurants. These beachfront properties often emit powerful, white lights, which can cause sea turtles to crawl toward those lights (misorient) or crawl in circles on the beach (disorient).

It was once easy for hatchlings to find the ocean after emerging from nests because the brightest horizon was always the ocean, compared to the darkened dune.  Now, excess lighting from the nearshore buildings and streets draw hatchlings toward land, where they may be eaten by predators, run over, or drown in swimming pools.

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Tracking the Numbers

Taking a Closer Look

While it might seem like a difficult problem to tackle, an estimated one third of all lighting in the U.S. is wasted as light trespass or skyglow.
Sources: American Astronomical Society, FWC Imperiled Species Management Program Disorientation Database
10%
Increase of light pollution in the world’s night sky each year since 2011.
100k
Hatchlings disoriented in Florida each year due to artificial lighting.
885
False crawls reported on Florida nesting beaches from 2013-2017.
The Solution

Keep it LOW, Keep it SHIELDED, Keep it LONG

Reducing the amount of artificial light that is visible from nesting beaches is the first step to reducing light pollution that affects sea turtles. Coastal communities around the world have passed ordinances that require residents turn off beachfront lights during turtle nesting season. Unfortunately, these ordinances are not always enforced and don’t address the larger problem of sky glow that occurs near cities.

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How You Can Help

Tips & Resources

Keep It Dark

When visiting the beach at night, leave portable lights (flashlights, cell phones) at home. Remove purely decorative lights from your property and turn off exterior lights when they are not in use. Prevent interior light from escaping by closing window coverings, using window film, and moving light fixtures away from the windows.

Illuminate Responsibily

Lights on your property should follow these three rules: Keep it Low, Keep it Shielded, and Keep it Long. To learn more about Wildlife Friendly Lighting, visit our Lighting page.

Let the Dunes Bloom

Protect dunes by not walking through them. Dune vegetation produces habitat for wildlife, keeps sand in place, and screens artificial light.

Know Your Ordinance

Follow the requirements in your local lighting ordinance for sea turtle protection.

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