Sea Turtle Nesting Season May 1 - Nov 30, 2008

Something a bit more sub-tropical in honor of Earth Day - this is from Sanibel Island, Florida.

Dan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Sanibel Press Release Sanibel, Florida - April 22, 2008 News Release - For Immediate Release City of Sanibel Contact: Natural Resources Department (239) 472-3700 2008 Sea Turtle Nesting Season MAY 1ST  TO NOVEMBER 30TH   Sea turtle nesting season has returned to Sanibel's beaches once again. Nesting and hatchling emergence will take place from May 1 through October 31. This natural process has happened on Sanibel Island for centuries and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the City of Sanibel are committed to protecting these endangered species.   In 1997 and 1998, the City of Sanibel enacted ordinances to protect nesting and hatchling marine turtles from the adverse effects of artificial lighting and unattended beach furniture. Artificial beach lighting can inhibit female sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.  At night, items left on the beach including beach furniture, toys and trash may also provide barriers to nesting and entanglement or predation of hatchlings.  In most cases, compliance with these ordinances is simple.  Most beachfront lighting issues can be addressed by turning off all unnecessary lights, repositioning or modifying light fixtures, and closing blinds and drapes.  Removing all beach furniture from the beach and dune area, when not in use, between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M is also required by City ordinance and is an important step in sea turtle protection.  These ordinances are in effect year-round.    All Gulf-front property owners should make sure that their properties are in compliance with the City's marine turtle protection ordinances and ensure that artificial lighting from the property is not illuminating the beach. An easy way to test if your property is in compliance is to go out on the beach on a moonless night and look seaward. If a shadow is cast towards the water, there is a potential to deter female turtles from nesting or disorient hatchlings as they emerge from the nest.   We look forward to another successful sea turtle nesting season and hope to uphold Sanibel's reputation as having one of the darkest and most turtle friendly beaches in the state. We ask for your continued support with this important program.   -END- email-list@mysanibel.com

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