by Heather Bennett Eye
It’s that special time of year again on the Emerald Coast. Sea turtle nesting season has officially begun! So what does that mean? From now until Halloween, our beaches become a vital nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, many of which are threatened or endangered. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, your actions can make a big difference during this critical period, and this means keeping the beaches clean, dark and flat.
Each summer, female sea turtles return to our shores, often the very beach where they were born, to lay their eggs. In Walton County, nesting typically occurs in the dry sand above the high tide line, closer to the dunes. The South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers survey the beaches daily, looking for turtle tracks to identify and mark nests, protecting them from accidental damage by people, pets, or vehicles. They monitor the nests throughout the incubation period.
After about 50 to 60 days, hatchlings begin to emerge, usually under the cover of darkness. These tiny turtles instinctively look for the brightest horizon, which under natural conditions is the reflection of the moonlight on the ocean. From there, they begin their treacherous journey to the water, dodging predators and battling the surf.
To give these hatchlings the best possible chance of survival, we encourage everyone to help keep our beaches clean, dark, and flat:
- Clean: Remove all trash, leftover food, beach toys, and especially beach furniture at the end of each day. Items left behind can become barriers or traps for hatchlings trying to reach the water.
- Dark: Turn off any artificial lights that face the beach at night. Bright lights from homes, businesses, and flashlights can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean. If lighting is necessary, use turtle-safe options like red or amber LED bulbs.
- Flat: Before leaving the beach, fill in all holes and knock down sandcastles. Deep holes and uneven sand can trap baby turtles or redirect them off course.
Please make sure to respect nest markers and avoid walking through dune areas. If you see a hatchling struggling, don’t touch it. Instead, contact the South Walton Turtle Watch Hotline at (850) 865-4503, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922 or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 892-8111.
Sea turtles have been making this journey for millions of years, but their survival now depends more than ever on human awareness and cooperation. By keeping our beaches clean, dark, and flat, you’re playing a vital role in protecting one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures. Please help educate others. Many people aren’t aware of how simple actions like turning off a porch light can save dozens of lives. Let’s work together to ensure these incredible animals have a safe start to life. The sea turtles are counting on us!
Author: Sowal Editor
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