Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Turtles

When do hatchlings emerge from nests? | Direction of the ocean when they emerge from their nests | How do artificial light sources effect hatchlings? | How can my lights contribute to the problem? | Misdirected hatchlings found on the beach? | Notify about visible light? | For more information | The Florida Marine Research Institute

When do hatchlings emerge from nests?

Hatchlings emerge from nests throughout the months of

• June
• July
• August
• September and
• October.

The date of nest emergence depends on the date the eggs were laid and the incubation period of the nest (typically 50-65 days).

It is a myth that hatchlings emerge only around the time of the full moon. Hatchlings ready to emerge wait just beneath the sand surface until conditions become cool. This temperature cue prompts hatchlings to emerge primarily at night, although some late-afternoon and early-morning emergence is known.

Direction of the ocean when they emerge from their nests

Hatchlings possess an inborn tendency to move in the brightest direction. On a natural beach, this brightest direction is most often the open view of the night sky over, and reflected by, the ocean. Hatchlings also tend to move away from darkly silhouetted objects associated with the dune profile and vegetation. Hatchlings emerge and locate the sea at all phases and positions of the moon; it is a myth that hatchlings depend on the moon to lead them seaward.

How do artificial light sources effect hatchlings?

Hatchlings that crawl toward artificial light sources follow the same instinctive response that leads them seaward on naturally lighted beaches. It is the glaring light of artificial sources that leads hatchlings astray. At night, artificial light sources appear bright and glaring because they are close by, producing light that appears intense but is not bright enough to illuminate the ocean. As a result, light from an artificial source appears many times brighter than light from any other direction, including the ocean. Natural light sources like the sun and moon are extremely bright, but are also quite distant. Their light brightens the sky, ocean and dune, allowing hatchlings to correctly assess the visual cues that lead them to the sea.

How can my lights contribute to the problem?

Any reduction in the amount of artificial light reaching the nesting beach helps sea turtles. As lighting is reduced, hatchlings emerging on moonlit nights and at locations far from the lighted property will have a better chance at entering the sea.

Misdirected hatchlings found on the beach?

What to do

Hatchling sea turtles found wandering away from the ocean should be taken to a darkened portion of beach and allowed to walk into the surf on their own. Hatchlings that do not crawl vigorously can be placed in the ocean and allowed to swim away.

Who to call

In all cases, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (east coast office, 561-575-5455; west coast office, 727-896-8626), or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Marine Enforcement (1-800-404-FWCC) should be notified during regular business hours.

Notify about visible light?

Many coastal communities in Florida have ordinances that restrict or prohibit beachfront lighting during the nesting season. Check with your county or city to see if they have adopted a sea turtle lighting ordinance. Lighting problems should then be reported to the local code enforcement board or police.

For more information

For more information about sea turtles, you may contact:

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Marine Resources
Florida Marine Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue, S.E.
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-896-8626

The Florida Marine Research Institute

The Florida Marine Research Institute of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission conducts research necessary for marine resource management decisions. The Institute has responsibilities for marine fisheries, marine habitat research, endangered and threatened species recovery programs and a marine fish stock enhancement research program.