Holes, trash, canopies, and other such things are extremely hazardous for nesting sea turtles and their tiny hatchlings. They can trap turtles, causing harm or even death. So, enjoy the beach, dig ’till your heart’s content, but fill in the holes before you leave, and remove anything you brought to the beach, including tents, canopies, umbrellas or other furniture.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A NESTING SEA TURTLE
- Call our emergency hotline 888.290.1065 to report the location.
- DO NOT approach her. Keep out of her line of sight, allowing her the space she needs to feel safe to leave her precious eggs for us to protect.
- If there are people too close or harassing her, call 911. (harassing a sea turtle is illegal)
- PLEASE DO NOT shine lights on her or take flash photos of her! This may cause her to feel threatened and she may abort the nest and leave. This will also disorient her and she may have a hard time finding her way back to the ocean.
Please help us protect nesting turtles by not giving out their location (especially on social media) to anyone other than authorities.
If you see a nesting turtle, hatchlings, or know of a turtle emergency or stranding please use the PISTP Hotline 888.290.1065 or call 911
For other general inquiries please email us at pistp@seaturtleproject.org