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F a u n a
Dolphins
Manatees
Sea Turtles
Guide to Marine Mammal Encounters
How to be
Turtle Friendly
F l o r a
Mud Flats
Sea Grasses
Mangroves
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The Time is Now
Photo courtesy George Graner |
Turtle Time, Inc. believes it is possible for humans to share the beaches and oceans with sea turtles. Their fate depends on all of us. Residents and visitors alike must share the responsibility for making our beaches turtle-friendly!
Here are some basic rules for turtle-friendly behavior:
- Shut off or shield lights that are visible from the beach. Close drapes or blinds after dark. Use 25 watt yellow-bug lights where exterior lighting is necessary. Avoid using flashlights or fishing lanterns on the beach. Fires are not permitted. Lee County has a Sea Turtle Conservation Code which is enforced. For information regarding lighting, or to report a lighting violation, please call Lee County Division of Planning/Environmental Sciences Program (239) 479-8585; or, Town Hall (Fort Myers Beach) (239) 765-0202.
- Remove beach litter. Balloons, plastic bags, foam and other non-degradable pollutants cause the deaths of many sea turtles who mistake them for food.
- Quietly observe a nesting turtle from a distance. Do not shine any lights on or around her -- she may abandon
her effort to nest. No flash photography. Stay behind the turtle so that she cannot see you.
- Do not harass a turtle by touching her or prodding her to move. Stay out of the way as she crawls back to the water.
- Stack or remove beach furniture.
- Keep pets on a leash, away from sea turtles and their nests.
- Leave sea turtle nest identitication markers in place on the beach.
- Leave nest sites undisturbed. If you find a hatchling wandering in daylight, place it on moist sand in a dry container, shade it and call Turtle Time, Inc. immediately.
- To report dead or injured sea turtles, or, if you have accidentally hooked a sea turtle that is small enough to rescue, contact: Florida Marine Patrol 1-800-DIAL-FMP, or call Turtle Time, Inc. 239-481-5566 immediately.
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