Sea turtle nesting season is soon underway in Surfside and across Miami-Dade County, with official dates running from May 1 through October 31. However, early nesting activity has already been reported along local beaches, prompting reminders about turtle-friendly lighting regulations.
These rules are in place to protect endangered and threatened sea turtle species, especially nesting females and hatchlings. Artificial lighting can disorient the turtles, which rely on the natural light of the moon to navigate. Bright lights near the shoreline can cause females to avoid nesting areas and mislead hatchlings away from the ocean, reducing their chance of survival.
To support this critical phase of the marine ecosystem, condominium residents and visitors on the east side of Collins Avenue are encouraged to follow these simple steps:
Apply window tint or film to reduce glare.
Rearrange lamps and other movable light fixtures away from windows.
Use blinds or curtains to block interior lights from reaching the beach.
Turn off unnecessary lights, especially those visible from the shore.
Turtle nesting season is a shared responsibility, and small changes at home can make a significant difference in helping preserve this ancient species.