Lights shining on the beach have also been found to cause hatchlings to disorient and crawl towards the light source, away from the Gulf. Disoriented hatchlings often end up in swimming pools, parking lots and roads. Lost sea turtles are more likely to dehydrate or become depredated by raccoons, foxes, ghost crabs, ants or birds.

 

In accordance with the "Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Regulations" (Land Development Code Sec.3.10, 1994), the Collier County Environmental Services Department developed a program to minimize the damages caused by light pollution. The program moved over to Parks & Recreation in February of 2007.

The program is composed of an annual mail-out prior to season, night lighting compliance inspections, violation notices and enforcement action. Prior to nesting season, a sea turtle information package is sent to beachfront property owners, managers and renters. The information package illustrates the importance of shielding or turning off lights during sea turtle nesting season, and suggests inexpensive methods of reducing and minimizing beach lighting. Lighting compliance inspections are conducted by Parks & Recreation staff semimonthly throughout sea turtle nesting and hatching season. Light sources that create a visible shadow on the beach are considered a violation. When a light violation has been identified, efforts are made to work with the management to correct the problem. Any violations not corrected are turned over to Collier County's Code Enforcement Department for formal action.

 

Posted 4/23/2012 on Pelican Bay Website