Coexisting with sea turtles during their nesting season

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Whether you live on the Gulf Coast or are just visiting, it is important to know how to coexist with sea life.

Sea turtle nesting season takes place from May to September every year.

When encountering this endangered species, Alabama Coastal Foundation Executive Director Mark Berte said safety and conservation is a priority.

“The point of the program is to be able to ensure that any of the human interactions are limited,” Berte said. “That includes not only individuals, but also our lights. The spectrum that a sea turtle see is different than what we humans see.”

Artificial light like flashlights can disorient turtles and cause the babies to go toward it, thinking it is the moon guiding them to the water.

Red and amber lights are considered turtle friendly and condos across the Gulf Coast have included this lighting on the outside of the buildings.

Berte said those who see a sea turtle up close are getting a rare opportunity.

“Anybody who’s seen an actual, alive sea turtle, there’s three things they need to do,” he said. “They need to stand back, stay low and then enjoy the experience.”

Beachgoers like Alex Barnes said he is always careful to respect the sea turtles.

“Pretty much the majority of my knowledge is with the flashlight is don’t shine the flashlight at the sea turtles,” Barnes said.

If you are out at night along the beach, make sure your phone flashlight has an amber filter. These filters are available for free at the Orange Beach Welcome Center and Gulf State Park Lodge.

According to Berte, when individuals approach a sea turtle, it is not to purposefully harm them, it is due to lack of knowledge.

“Don’t take any pictures, don’t have any lights because once you do that, the sea turtle is going to leave,” Berte said. “Watch and appreciate mother nature and get an experience that most people on this planet will never have.”

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