Sea turtle nesting season is here; you can help by following some simple rules

Sea Turtles FWC said these large marine turtles start nesting on Florida beaches in spring. You can help by keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles during their March through October nesting season. Artificial lighting can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient hatchlings, so avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night. Turn out lights or close curtains and shades in buildings along the beach after dark to ensure nesting turtles aren’t disturbed. Clear away boats and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes in the sand that could entrap turtles. (FWC)

By ActionNewsJax.com News Staff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For loggerhead, green turtle (nesting typically begins in June) and leatherback sea turtles nesting season has started.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

According to the Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Lab, a majority of nesting occurs between May 1 and Oct. 31. Ninety percent of all sea turtle nesting in the United States takes place right here in Florida.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

It remains crucial for both residents and visitors alike to do their part to ensure that sea turtles have a safe and successful nesting season.

Related Story: The city of Jacksonville Beach is prepared for Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Here are some easy tips to help sea turtles during this critical time of the year:

  • Lights out at 9 p.m.! Flashlights are strongly discouraged as they can disorientate nesting females and emerging hatchlings!
  • Leave only your footprints! Large holes and sandcastles are huge obstacles for our flippered friends. Nesting females can easily get stuck in a hole and emerging hatchlings could easily get confused by a sandcastle.
  • Don’t trash where you splash! This one is year-round. Always carry out what you carry in. Keep our beaches clean.
  • Never approach sea turtles emerging from, or returning to the sea. Our females are exhausted and have traveled thousands of miles to return home to nest.
  • Program your phone with FWC Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-3922 so you’ll be prepared if you happen to encounter a sick or injured sea turtle.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Help spread the word on these simple but important tips.