|
Save-A-Turtle’s obligation to sea turtles does not end at sundown...
Night surveys are also routinely conducted. A night survey is different from a regular nesting walk in that the purpose is to specifically look for obstructions on beaches that could cause sea turtles to become entangled or entrapped. It also helps us identify and assist properties with non-compliant lighting which could cause nesting females as well as hatchlings to become disoriented. The pictures above show just a small slice of many concerns identified on a recent night survey on a section of one of the Keys' beaches. Volunteers identified non-compliant lighting at various residences, businesses and parking areas, as well as a concerning amount of beach furniture and kayaks on nesting habitat. It is important to recognize that lighting concerns do not end at the beach, but include atmospheric lighting and radiant lighting which can be as far as across a street, in a parking deck, on condos and hotels, etc. We are half way through nesting season and still finding many concerning issues in just one town which continues to highlight the importance the night surveys our volunteers conduct. We meet with residents, businesses and officials in relevant areas more often during nesting season for obvious reasons, but our goal is always education year-round in an effort to curb hazards before they start. Unfortunately, there are always repeat offenders, but our goal is always 100% compliance. Sea turtles face a lot of threats in nature so to see conditions such as these pictures depict is always frustrating but we will continue to work on improving conditions for those precious turtles. You can read more about turtle friendly lighting here.
| 
