Page 19 - 2021 The Barefoot Guide

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