Last modified Thu., May 28, 2009 - 10:21 AM
Originally created Thursday, May 28, 2009

Help Protect Sea Turtles, Turn Off Lights

From NS Mayport Security

Naval Station Mayport beaches are a great place to live and visit for both people and endangered species of sea turtles.

It is just a little tougher to find a good place to "nest" if you are an endangered sea turtle.

Turtle nesting takes May 31 through Oct. 31. However, their safety depends on you. Hatchlings find their way to the sea by light clues, such as brightness. They instinctively crawl towards the brightest light and become disoriented if artificial lights are shining from behind.

Artificial light from beachfront homes, streetlights or even flashlights can attract the hatchlings away from the safety of the water and lead them to their deaths.

Lights and people disorientate female turtles coming ashore to nest. If one is sighted coming ashore, contact the base Wildlife officer and remain clear, stay quiet, do not use a light source and don't allow anyone near her to disturb her nesting.

How can you help? By simply keeping our beaches as dark and quiet as possible throughout the nesting period. Consider the following suggestions:

Turn off all unnecessary lights and do not use flashlights without a red lenses.

Reposition the source of any light fixture so it is not visible from the beach.

Use motion detectors on outside lights for security purposes.

Place timers on lights so they are off by 10 p.m.

Close all Navy Lodge, BOQ and house curtains at sunset that face the beach.

And Remember

All special functions conducted on Naval Station Mayport beach areas during nesting season must be cleared through the Wildlife officer first.

Restrict leaving large holes and rutting on the beach area.

All dogs on the beach must be on a leash at all times.

Never touch a nesting female or emerging hatchlings. These actions are a violatin of federal and state laws. Only permit holders are allowed to tourch or move a sea turtle.

Never try to push a live sea turtle back into the water. If the turtle is out of the water and on the beach, keep the shell wet with a damp towel or sprinkle water over it.

Notify the Wildlife officer, Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol or the Florida Marine Patrol if you find a live or dead sea turtle unless the turtle has a red "X" on its shell indicating it has already been checked by the appropriate authority and is waiting for burial by beach sanitation units.

The turtles have been here for more than 150 million years and are on the endangered species list. Let's all do our part to help protect them and ensure that they remain part of life in Florida.

For more information, or if you sight an unmarked nest, hatchling or stranded sea turtles, contact the NS Mayport Wildlife Office immediately at 219-2178 for the base beach and Hanna Park. Call the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol at 613-6081 for all Jacksonville area beaches or the Florida Marine Patrol at 270-2500.