BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Biologists with the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP) were busy this year monitoring the beaches for sea turtle nests. Preliminary nest counts report that 2,795 nests were documented in 2021 in the County (not including the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park). Among the nests were 2,287 loggerhead nests, 429 green turtle nests and a local record of 79 leatherback nests.

Sea turtle nesting season is March 1-October 31 each year. The BCSTCP has been monitoring the County's beaches for sea turtle activity since 1981 with long-term trends showing an increase in nesting through time. Historically, nesting patterns suggested that 2021 should have been a high nesting year for green sea turtles (this species typically nests in an alternating pattern of high and low years), but leatherbacks took local biologists by surprise. The record nearly doubles the number of nests since the last record year in 2012 with 46 leatherback nests.

Although sea turtle nesting numbers have been increasing in Broward County, threats such as artificial lighting can endanger the sea turtle population. Hatchling (baby) turtles are especially susceptible to beachfront lighting because they use light to find the ocean after emerging from their nests. In natural conditions the ocean is typically the lightest area, guiding hatchling turtles in that direction. Artificial lighting on land can cause hatchlings to become disoriented and crawl in the wrong direction, away from the ocean.  Additionally, "sky glow" (excess light directed up and into the sky) from properties located west is still visible from the beach. You do not need to have an oceanfront view to make a difference. Following these guidelines can help hatchlings find their way to the ocean, no matter where you live:

• Turn off lights that are not necessary for safety (reduce decorative lighting)
• Use full cut-off fixtures or shielded fixtures
• Use red or amber LED bulbs if you live near the beach or another environmentally sensitive area
• Close curtains at night or move interior light sources away from windows
• Apply 15% window tint on beach-facing windows 

Each of the County's coastal municipalities has its own beachfront lighting ordinance, but most generally require property owners to turn off lights from sunset to sunrise during sea turtle nesting season. More information about your local lighting ordinance and a list of certified lighting fixtures can be found by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website. Alternatively, you can contact the BSCTCP for assistance.

Plastic pollution is another threat to sea turtles. Plastic bags and balloons resemble jellyfish, a common food source for all species of turtle swimming in Florida waters. Large pieces of plastic break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which hatchling turtles consume and then become sick. To help reduce the amount of plastic in the environment, remember these tips:

• Do not release balloons
• Carry a reusable coffee cup or water bottle with you
• Skip the straw or use a stainless steel/glass straw
• Bring your own container for leftovers when dining out
• Use reusable shopping bags

No matter your location, the ocean and beaches are connected to our everyday actions. If we make better choices for the environment like reducing light pollution or saying "no" to single-use plastics, sea turtle populations and other wildlife populations can continue to thrive.