Sea Turtles
Protecting Sea Turtles
Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1st and ends October 31st each year.
To ensure the preservation of sea turtles on Sanibel, the Sanibel Land Development Code:
1) Regulates beachfront lighting and prohibits both interior and exterior lights that result in beach illumination. Artificial lighting on Gulf beaches may discourage female turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings emerging from nests.
2) Prohibits beach furniture and equipment, when not in use, to remain on the beach between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as it may entangle mother or hatchling sea turtles. Storage of beach furniture and equipment in the dune is also prohibited.
Although particularly important during the sea turtle nesting season, it is important to note that these regulations are in effect year-round.
Natural Resources and Code Enforcement staff perform routine inspections to ensure compliance with these important standards.