Lighting pollution is a serious threat to many types of wildlife, particularly nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Nesting females use the moonlight to direct themselves when returning to the ocean and when hatchlings burst from the nest, they scramble for the brightest horizon, typically the moon glimmering off the water. Artificial lights can lead the turtles away from the safety of the water. Between May through October, from dusk until dawn, turn all exterior lights visible from the beach off from dusk to dawn and avoid flashlights, fireworks, and bonfires on the beach. If you must use a flashlight, apply a red filter or covering to make it sea turtle safe.
