Escambia County is thrilled to celebrate the first sea turtle hatch of the season on Pensacola Beach. The hatch occurred over the weekend, with 59 hatchlings reported entering the Gulf of Mexico. Despite challenges from artificial lighting and weather events, the hatchlings were safely recovered and released in accordance with marine turtle regulations.
Hatchlings use the reflected light of the moon and stars off the water to orient themselves toward the Gulf. However, even the dimmest of artificial lights can outshine these natural lights. 60% of all hatchlings on county beaches will be disoriented by artificial light sources, making them easy targets for predators. Hatchlings that don’t reach the water quickly are also at higher risk of starvation, dehydration and death.
Every hatchling counts. Help protect hatchling turtles by remembering:
- Lights Out: Both hatchlings and nesting turtles need dark beaches to find the Gulf of Mexico. Leave the flashlights and cell phones at home or use a red flashlight when on the beach at night. Turn off beach-facing lights and close windows and curtains to keep the beaches dark.
- Leave Only Footprints: Keep the beaches flat and clean for turtles by removing all personal belongings at the end of each day, flattening sand castles, and filling in holes.
- Stow It, Don’t Throw it: Trash and food waste can entangle turtles and other wildlife and attract unwanted predators. Always dispose of trash in the proper receptacle and refrain from feeding wildlife.
If you see a nest hatching or encounter hatchlings turtles on the beach, stay a respectful distance away and call Escambia County Marine Resources at (850) 426-1257.
For more information about sea turtles in Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/seaturtles. All sea turtle work performed by Escambia County was completed under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permits #032, #202, #272, and #273.
