Lights Out for Sea Turtles!
The most important way you can protect Hilton Head Island's loggerhead sea turtles is to turn off the lights! Sea turtle hatchlings usually emerge from the nest at night because it's cooler. The biggest threat to their survival, though, is lights on the beach. It confuses the hatchlings who look for the moon's reflection on the water to guide them. If they don't make it to the ocean quickly, many hatchlings will die of dehydration in the sun or be caught by predators like birds or crabs. Artificial lights can also discourage females from nesting. The Town of Hilton Head Island requires that lights on structures visible from the beach be shielded or turned off after 10 pm from May 1st to October 31st. Any windows facing the beach must also be covered with draperies or shade screens. Palmetto Electric supports the efforts of the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Town of Hilton Head by shielding lights and installing directional lighting. To contact them for more information call 843-681-5551. Why Are Loggerheads Threatened?The life of a loggerhead sea turtle is difficult. It is estimated that only 1 of every 10,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. There are many reasons for this, some natural, some man-made. Each year thousands of turtles become entangled and drown in fishing nets. Thousands of turtles are killed each year when they mistakenly eat trash and debris . By following some of the guidelines below, we can all help ensure that the loggerhead sea turtle remains an integral part of the ecology of Hilton Head Island. What You Can do to Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Learn More About Sea TurtlesContact these organizations for more information about the loggerhead sea turtle or to report strandings:
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