How You Can Help
Sea turtles face many threats, but we can all make small changes to help protect nesting and hatchling turtles on our beaches.
Leave No Trace! The best thing we can do for sea turtles is keep our beaches clean. Remove all furniture, toys and canopies from the beach each night. Fill in any holes and flatten sandcastles. Throw trash away in proper receptacles and avoid leaving food on the beach which may attract predators.
Both the Leave No Trace (Pensacola Beach) and Perdido Key Habitat Conservation ordinances prohibit furniture and other obstructions from being left on beach starting one hour after sunset to one hour after sunrise. Santa Rosa Island Authority staff, county staff, or condo managers/associations may remove items if left unattended. Please check with your property manager or community leader for more information regarding your area.
Lights Out! Bright lights can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient both adults and hatchlings on the beach. Avoid using lights on the beach at night and turn of all beach facing lights when not in use.
Don’t Cut the Line! if you accidentally hook a turtle while fishing, don’t cut the line! Safely bring the turtle to shore and call Marine Resources at 850- 426-1257 for assistance. If hooked while on the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, contact the Pier Manager immediately.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Marine debris is problem for all marine life, not just turtles. Invest is sustainable products that reduce the need for one-time disposable products; reusable bags, straws and water bottles are easy and cost-effective ways to reduce your plastic consumption.
Report a Leave No Trace Behind Issue