Sea Turtle Season is Here!

We’re off to a good season according to Maura Kraus, Collier County’s Principal Environmental Specialist, with the first sea turtle nest appearing on Barefoot Beach on Saturday, April 23rd. This week we also have our FIRST Sea Turtle Nest on Marco!

Marco’s beach is always a beautiful place to enjoy the sun, surf, a bit of walking and running but it is also an important nesting habitat for sea turtles. Sea Turtle Season is May 1st to October 31, so let’s all remember a few simple things and share the beach with our wildlife. 

• It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nest. To report an injured or dead sea turtle, please call FWC at: 888-404-3922.
• Avoid using flashlights, lanterns or flash photography while on the beach at night.
• Turn off or shield lights, close drapes/blinds to prevent light from shining onto the beach. Lights disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings.
• Fill in holes and knock down sand castles to make sure the beach is safe for sea turtles.
• Make sure to remove all items such as beach chairs and trash from the beach at night.