Many of the state’s beaches, including Miami, are important nesting habitats for sea turtles this time of year. Female turtles come ashore to dig nests and lay around 100 eggs before returning to the water. But as interesting and adorable as these animals can be, it’s important to observe from a distance. If you see any of these species laying their eggs or a hatchling making its way toward the ocean, it’s important to give them plenty of space and avoid disturbing them.
Here’s what to know about turtle nesting season in Florida, and how to keep these precious critters safe while simultaneously enjoying your day on the sand!
When is sea turtle nesting season?
Sea turtle nesting season in Miami typically runs from April 1st to October 31st each year. However, turtles can start nesting earlier or later than those dates, so the Miami-Dade County Sea Turtle Conservation Program monitors activity from March through October. Around 600 nests are laid on Dade County beaches every year, and those numbers are increasing.
Once baby turtles hatch, they have an innate instinct that leads them to sea. Following the brightest horizon, usually the moonlight, they head towards the water. Unfortunately, it is thought that one in 1,000 hatchlings will survive into adulthood, which is why it’s important to do everything we can to ensure their safety and not make these odds even lower.
How to watch sea turtles hatch
You’ll typically find protected sea turtle nests on the beach with bright tape, poles and signs to protect them from disturbance. It’s important to keep an eye out while you’re at the beach as to maintain a safe distance away.
If you’re interested in witnessing the hatchlings for yourself, try visiting a local marine center that houses or rehabilitates sea turtles, or find a guided turtle walk by authorized personnel. Reservations to these guided walks are usually required in advance and you can visit Miami-Dade Sea Turtles on Instagram for updates.
How to help keep sea turtles safe
There are plenty of ways you can help maintain a safe environment for these federally protected creatures, such as participating in a beach cleanup or avoiding single-use plastic during your beach day. Other ways to help sea turtles this season include:
- Giving nesting adults and their hatchlings space, and making sure not to touch or disturb them — it is illegal to do so in Florida.
- Not using flash photography or artificial lighting as this can disorient and scare turtles away from the ocean.
- If you live in a beachfront property, reducing light pollution by turning off lights or closing curtains after dark.
- Properly disposing of trash and food items you find while at the beach, including plastics and other debris.
- Keeping obstacles off the beach, such as chairs, tents, umbrellas and toys. Make sure to fill in any holes that might’ve been dug up and flatten sandcastles.
If you come across a dead, injured or harassed sea turtle, call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 24-hour hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
Florida residents can also buy a turtle license plate to raise money for sea turtle conservation.