Page 19 - The Barefoot Guide (2019)

Sea turtles are endangered. They nest on our beaches here on the Through education and the cooperation of beachgoers, local
Crystal Coast each year. The turtle nesting season runs from May residents, coastal businesses and all levels of government, we must
through September and hatchlings may emerge anytime from July protect these ancient mariners who use the beach habitat we all
through November. The Loggerhead is the most common species share.
found on Emerald Isle, but Green turtles, and even an occasional
Leatherback, have laid documented nests. • Minimize beachfront lighting during the sea turtle nesting
season by turning off, shielding or redirecting lights away from
the beach.
These gentle creatures date back 300 million years, making them one
of the oldest animals on earth. The future of these reptiles depends • Close your curtains and blinds in oceanfront rooms at night so
on beach habitat for egg incubation and the safety of the hatchlings interior light does not shine on the beach.
as they energetically make their trip into the deep, blue sea. • Remove recreational equipment, such as lounge chairs,
umbrellas and tents from the beach each evening.
• Use your natural vision and moonlight when walking on the
Sadly, the odds are against the survival of these hatchlings. One in
1,000 will live to reach sexual maturity at approximately 20 years of beach at night.
age. The natural predatory dangers, coupled with human interference, • If you encounter a turtle on the beach at night, remain
decrease the survival rate of hatchlings reaching adulthood. quiet, still and at a distance. Human disturbances and flash
Artificial illumination on our beaches at night disorients them, and photography may prevent her from nesting successfully.
as a result, prevents them from reaching the ocean. Instinctively, • Leave the tracks left by turtles undisturbed.
hatchlings are drawn toward the lightest, most open horizon, and • Obey all signs and stay out of marked areas.
because of artificial light sources, they are often lost in dunes, streets • Turtles may mistake trash as food, so please properly dispose of
and parking lots. Misdirected away from the ocean, they are left your garbage.
weakened, dehydrated and vulnerable to predators and vehicles.

SEA TUR TLES

VIS IT S EA TUR TLES .OR G

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