![]() ![]() Consequently, ensuring dark skies along the eastern seaboard of Florida is crucial to a sea turtle’s survival. Kennedy has been diligently working to improve its performance in following these external lighting guidelines every year.Įxperts say one hatchling in a thousand will make it to the reproductive stage. Turn off the lights, draw the shades and use LED or “turtle-friendly” lighting. Epibionts collected from nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) at Canaveral National Seashore, Brevard County, Florida, 2003-2004 (n552 turtles). So what can we do? Be aware of lights from nearby facilities or homes that can illuminate the beach. Wrong turns can be perilous for both adults and hatchlings, which have limited energy to make it offshore. Artificial lighting from street lights, buildings and flashlights on the beach can disrupt their ability to find their way back to the water. Sea turtles use the light of the Moon and stars to navigate. When making their way back to the ocean, sea turtles use the light of the Moon and stars to navigate. After 55-60 days, the hatchlings emerge from their nests - also at night. With the cooler temperatures, they are less likely to overheat while laying approximately 100-130 eggs. Sea turtles - and their hatchlings - need them.įemales come up on the beach after dark to lay and bury their eggs. Two words to keep in mind are: dark skies. People visiting, living or working near the beach, including spaceport employees, can take steps to help these fascinating reptiles during their six-month critical nesting and hatching period. The two most common species found in this area are the green turtle, which is on the endangered list, and the loggerhead, which is listed as threatened. Experts estimate that more than 5,000 turtles nest each year on Kennedy’s protected beaches and on land near the center, on the Canaveral National Seashore. Sea turtles are prevalent along the Space Coast, and Kennedy Space Center is no exception. As many Floridians know, the fifth month signifies another important occurrence: the start of sea turtle nesting and hatching season. ![]() The other is the loggerhead, which is listed as threatened.Ĭinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are all things associated with May. Green turtles, which are on the endangered list, are among the two most common species found on the Space Coast. ![]()
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