Annual Sea Turtle Lighting Regulations to Resume May 1

Posted On: April 30, 2024

The official start of sea turtle nesting season begins tomorrow, May 1, and with it, Sea Turtle Lighting Regulations take effect through Oct. 31. Residents and visitors should adhere to established guidelines to enhance the chances of hatchlings' survival as they make their way to the ocean. Sea turtles navigate by the celestial light and the darkened silhouette of dunes and vegetation. Artificial lighting can deter females from nesting and disorient hatchlings, leading them in the wrong direction.

This disorientation can expose hatchlings to predators, deplete their limited energy reserves, and send them toward hazardous areas such as roadways, stormwater drains, and parking lots. Property owners along the coastline, including those renting properties, must ensure their lighting complies with regulations, close blinds in the evenings, and minimize unnecessary outdoor lighting. Beachgoers at night are advised to restrict the use of flashlights and cell phones. Observers who encounter hatchlings or nesting females should maintain a respectful distance and keep noise to a minimum.

Volusia County's Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) provides ongoing education about sea turtle-friendly practices to beachfront property owners. The HCP offers educational materials, which property owners can order for free through the program's website at www.volusiaseaturtles.org. Additionally, the County offers residents complimentary lighting surveys, on-site meetings, and lighting plan reviews. For assistance with lighting or to schedule a lighting survey, contact the County's Sea Turtle Lighting Specialist, Tom Hamilton, at 386-238-4773 or [email protected].