It’s that time of year again – sea turtle nesting season is upon us. In South Carolina, sea turtle season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31. The following is a brief reminder (or tutorial for all our island newcomers) on the basics of sea turtle rules, laws and advocacy.
Turn off or shield all beachfront lights after 10 p.m. and close blinds on ocean-facing windows. Limit the use of flashlights and flash photography after 10 p.m. Sea turtles follow the light of the moon to locate the ocean, and artificial light can confuse and disorient them.
Remove trash, beach furniture, tents, umbrellas, towels and toys nightly. Fill in sand holes and flatten sandcastles to prevent trapping adult sea turtles and hatchlings alike. Keep dogs leashed and away from nesting sites. Do not allow your dog to harass, bark at or follow sea turtles.
Observe these beautiful creatures from a distance. Never approach, shine lights on or take flash photography of nesting turtles. Do not touch or disturb any sea turtle nest or “turtle team” marking tape. It is unlawful to disturb, take or possess any sea turtle or its eggs. Violations can carry heavy fines (up to $25,000) and potential imprisonment.
If you hook a turtle while fishing, do not cut the line. Call the SCDNR Hotline at 1-800-922-5431 immediately. Additionally, immediately report dead, injured or harassed turtles to the same SCDNR number. You may also call the Isle of Palms Police Department non-emergency line at 843-886-6522 to report any unusual or suspicious activity.
These rules apply to residents and visitors alike to ensure the survival of loggerhead sea turtles, which are a threatened species in South Carolina. From May 1 to Oct. 31, protect endangered sea turtles on Isle of Palms by keeping beaches “clean, dark and flat.”
Turtles dig the dark! Help them survive and thrive on the Isle of Palms.
By Staff
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