Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Early sea turtle nesting season is in effect from March 1 - April 30 each year followed by main turtle nesting season from May 1 - October 31. During early sea turtle nesting season, Leatherback sea turtles come ashore and lay their eggs. Leatherbacks, the largest living turtles, are listed as an endangered species which means they are in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future.

Lights from beachfront structures that shine or reflect onto the beach disrupt the instinctive nesting process. Melbourne Beach has a local lighting ordinance to protect sea turtles however, it does not take effect until May 1 when main sea turtle nesting season begins and hundreds of Loggerhead sea turtles nest each night. To help protect Leatherback sea turtle nesting early on Brevard's beaches, it is important for residents to take action beginning March 1. Some of the ways residents can help are:

   *  Do not touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or sea turtle nests.
   *  Avoid walking on the beach late at night and refrain from using flashlights or flash photography.
   *  Shield, reposition, replace, or turn off outdoor lights that are visible from the beach.
   *  Keep curtains or blinds closed after dark when interior lights are on.

In 2006, interior light sources were the most frequently documented lights visible from the beach. Dining room chandeliers, ceiling fan lights, and fluorescent fixtures can be especially bright. When interior lights are on and curtains or blinds are open, the interior of your residence is illuminated and clearly visible from the beach. To protect your privacy and help protect sea turtles, keep your curtains and blinds closed after dark.