Green loggerhead sea turtle. [Photo courtesy FWC]

Florida’s sandy beaches provide important spring and summer nesting habitat for several species of federally threatened and endangered sea turtles, including loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles, with occasional nesting by federally endangered Kemp’s ridley 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.

Our coastlines are also important nesting, resting and foraging habitat for imperiled beach-nesting birds, including black skimmers, least terns, snowy plovers and American oystercatchers. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast. To help with their nesting success, keep at least 300 feet from nesting shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds. By giving nesting waterbirds plenty of space, you can help avoid causing them to flush from their nesting sites, which would leave vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to the elements and predators.

Additional tips for beachgoers to help with nesting success when visiting the shore:

• 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 sunset. 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.
• Do the flock walk: Steer clear of birds on the beach to avoid causing them to fly off, potentially leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks unprotected. 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 staying out of marked nests and keeping pets leashed and away from any posted areas.
• 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.
• Leave fireworks to the professionals: Keep 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 have significant negative impacts on nesting birds and their chicks, as well as nesting sea turtles.
• 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 wildlife violations or sightings of marine turtles that are injured, in distress, or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Black skimmer and chick. [Photo courtesy FWC]