Protecting Sea Turtles Starts With Simple Choices on the Beach
Every year between March and October, sea turtles return to Florida’s beaches to lay their eggs, just as they have for millions of years. It’s one of the natural wonders of our state, and something many families never forget after seeing it for the first time. But lately, these creatures are facing more obstacles than ever, and the truth is, some of those challenges come from the things we do without thinking during a day at the beach.
Take something as simple as digging a hole in the sand. Kids love it, and we’ve all probably done it ourselves. The problem is that when those holes are left behind, they become dangerous traps. An adult sea turtle trying to nest can fall in and struggle until she exhausts herself. Hatchlings, baby turtles just beginning their journey to the ocean, can fall in and never make it out. Not all nests are marked, which means a deep hole can even collapse into one, crushing the eggs inside. Filling holes before you leave is an easy step that could save dozens of baby turtles in a single night.
But the danger isn’t just for wildlife. Every year, children are injured or even killed when deep sand holes collapse. Sand doesn’t look heavy, but when walls cave in, thousands of pounds can bury someone in seconds. What feels like harmless fun can turn tragic. Parents should know this risk, keep an eye on the digging, and make sure no deep holes are left behind at the end of the day.
Sandcastles, beach chairs, tents, and trash create more obstacles. A turtle crawling up the beach to nest can get blocked or turned around by something as simple as a forgotten chair. Hatchlings heading to the ocean can get trapped or confused. Trash is even worse once it reaches the water. Sea turtles mistake plastic for food, choking on it or starving with stomachs full of things they can’t digest. Scientists are even finding that microplastics change the temperature of the sand itself, which affects how turtle eggs develop.
Sea turtles are protected by both federal and state law, and disturbing them or their nests carries serious penalties. But beyond the law, this is about basic responsibility. The beach belongs to everyone, and if we want to pass on its beauty and its wildlife to our kids and grandkids, we’ve got to take care of it. That doesn’t mean giving up the fun. It means cleaning up after ourselves, keeping lights off near nesting areas, and filling in the holes we dig. These small actions keep families safe, keep the beach looking beautiful, and give sea turtles a fighting chance.
Florida is blessed with some of the most incredible natural treasures in the world. Protecting them doesn’t have to be complicated or political. It’s just common sense: leave the beach the way you found it.