Escambia County’s white sand beaches attract more than just tourists. Four of the six species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters make an annual pilgrimage to our beaches during the nesting season. Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common, accounting for over 90 percent of all sea turtle nests in Escambia County. Green, leatherback, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles also nest on area beaches
All four species are considered endangered or threatened and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Escambia County is committed to protecting and preserving sea turtles and all marine life that calls our area home. Small changes in every-day actions can have big impacts, making our beaches safer and healthier for sea turtles, birds and humans!
Leave Only Footprints! Help keep our beaches clean to protect nesting and hatchling sea turtles. 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.
Lights Out! Bright lights can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient both adults and hatchlings on the beach. Don't use flashlights or cell phones at the beach after dark and turn of all beach facing lights when not in use.
Don’t Cut the Line! if you accidentally hook a turtle while fishing from shore, 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.
Check out our How You Can Help section for more information on how you can minimize your impact on our beaches and marine life.
To report someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or an injured, dead, or harassed sea turtle, call:
Escambia County Marine Resources
(850) 426-1257
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
Mobile Phone:: *FWC or #FWC
Check out our new story map with species information and nesting data from the last five years.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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