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Want to be a hero for sea turtles? You absolutely can! The survival of these fascinating creatures, who have navigated our planet's oceans for millions of years, is a shared responsibility, and your involvement truly matters. It's easier than you might think to make a real difference and help ensure their journey continues. Read on to find out how YOUR simple actions can contribute directly to the vital work of sea turtle conservation.

During Nesting Season: April - August

1. Give Sea Turtles Space and Darkness:

• Stay off beaches at night: Avoid walking on the beach during summer nights, especially with flashlights. Human presence, no matter how quiet, can frighten nesting females back into the ocean.
• No lights near the beach: Never use flashlights, flash photography, or video camera lights around nesting turtles or hatchlings. Lights cause disorientation and can prevent a female from nesting.
• Shield home lights: If you have beachfront property, ensure bright lights don't shine onto the beach. Install shades on security or safety lights. Contact Broward County Resilient Environment Department (Natural Resources Division) for lighting ordinance info.

2. Never Interfere with Nests or Hatchlings:

• Leave nests undisturbed: Stay clear of marked sea turtle nests. Disturbing a nest is illegal under State and Federal laws.
• Let hatchlings crawl naturally: Do not interfere with hatchlings emerging from nests or crawling towards the water. They are naturally capable of reaching the ocean. Interfering is illegal and can hinder their ability to learn vital environmental cues they'll need to find their way back to their nesting areas later in life.
• Trust the professionals for disoriented hatchlings on the beach: If nests in lit areas have disoriented hatchlings, permitted turtle workers are on patrol to redirect and release them. Let them handle it!

Reporting and Emergencies

For all sea turtle emergencies, call our 24/7 Emergency Line: (954) 328-0580.

• Report disoriented hatchlings off the beach: If you find hatchlings in roadways, storm drains, or other areas besides the beach, call immediately. If directed to hold hatchlings: Place them in a bucket with only sand, cover it to keep it dark. NEVER keep them in water, as this wastes the energy reserves they need to swim out into the ocean.
• Report all stranded turtles: Call the Emergency Line for any dead, injured, or apparently healthy turtles that have not moved for 30 minutes or longer.
• Report illegal activity: If you witness someone harassing a sea turtle or poaching a nest, call the local police immediately.

When not to report: It's normal for sea turtles to crawl or nest on summer nights. DO NOT use the emergency line for normal nesting activity unless the animal is in a dangerous situation (on a road, in a parking lot, or clearly wandered off the beach).

General Conservation Efforts

• Participate in clean-ups: Get involved with local beach clean-ups and environmental organizations.
• Properly dispose of waste: Never litter, especially plastic bags, balloons, 6-pack rings, monofilament fishing lines, and cigarette butts. These items can be mistaken for food or entangle sea turtles, causing illness or death. Dispose of all trash properly, whether at the beach or inland. 

Support Our Mission

Help us create a world where sea turtles flourish! Your tax-deductible donation directly supports the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program's vital research, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives. Whether a one-time gift or adopting a nest, every contribution makes a profound difference for sea turtles in Broward County and beyond.

Donate to Help Save Sea Turtles