One of the biggest reasons why people flock to Sanibel Island every year is for the beautiful beaches and their wildlife. Some of the cutest and most well-known residents of Sanibel Island are sea turtles! Sea turtles nest on the shores of the island every year from May through October. Residents and visitors play an important role in keeping hatchlings safe. This year, almost 6,000 hatchlings have appeared so far and almost 800 nests have been laid. How can you help out?
The Sea Turtles of Sanibel Island
The island is home to multiple types of sea turtles, including loggerheads, leatherbacks, and green turtles. Over the course of nesting seasons, female turtles will come onto the beaches to lay eggs. After about 60 days, hatchlings will start to emerge and make their way to the sea. During this period, they are extremely sensitive, and seemingly minor things like human activity and artificial lighting can kill or harm these hatchlings.
Why Does Artificial Light Matter So Much?
Artificial light prevents turtles and hatchlings from being able to determine a safe time to move, as they disrupt the natural lighting of the environment. Artificial nighttime lighting can also prevent female turtles from coming ashore to nest in the first place! Artificial light can also make hatchlings move in the wrong direction, which makes them more vulnerable to predators or more likely to end up in a dangerous place like a pool or roadway.
How Can You Help Sea Turtles on Sanibel Island?
Respect Nesting Areas
Sea turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. To protect these nesting sites:
- Always stay clear of any nests that you spot. Avoid disturbing these areas to ensure the eggs remain safe and to avoid accidentally harming the hatchlings.
- Be cautious when walking on the beach at night, as turtle tracks and nests can be easily missed.
Reduce Light Pollution
Artificial lighting disorients both adult turtles and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean.
- If you’re staying in a beachfront property, turn off exterior lights and close curtains at night to prevent light from reaching the beach. If there are any exterior lights, leave them turned off or ensure that they are sea turtle-friendly.
- If you need to use a flashlight, cover it with a red filter or use a turtle-safe flashlight, as red light is less likely to disturb turtles. Do not use your cell phone light or white light while you are on the beach.
- If you see something, say something. Lighting violations and issues can be reported to the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663, or you can call the non-emergency number for the Sanibel Police Department at 239-472-3211.
Contact Kingfisher Vacation Rentals to Learn More about Sanibel Island Properties
At Kingfisher Vacation Rentals we choose vacation rentals over hotels every time! We are actively open and assisting owners every day with their recovery process. We’re also ready to bring new properties into our award-winning program. If you are interested in discussing how our unmatched marketing approach and comprehensive owner services will benefit you, call today! For more information about Sanibel and Captiva, visit our website, email us at info@gokingfisher.com, stop by our Captiva office, or give us a call today at 239-472-2100.
