The sea turtles that nest on Florida Beaches are either endangered or threatened and are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act (379.2431, Florida Statutes).  Sea Turtle nesting season occurs annually from March 1st to October 31st, with the peak of the season during the late summer months (July – August). 

During the nesting season, daily turtle nest surveys of the City’s beach are performed starting just before sunrise. All emergences (turtle crawls) from the previous night are interpreted by the environmental specialist to determine which species of turtle came ashore and whether or not it nested on our beach. As a part of the daily surveys, all nests are clearly marked with stakes and flagging tape to reduce the possibility of nest impacts. 

During the course of daily monitoring, any evidence of hatchling disorientation or disorientation from nests are documented.  Based on track evaluations, an estimate of the number of hatchlings disoriented will be recorded and light sources potentially responsible for the disorientation identified.  Information concerning each incident is documented and if applicable, the City works with the property owner to identify non-compliant lighting and recommend compliant sea turtle lighting. 

In an effort to promote public awareness and involvement in the sea turtle program, the City performs public outreach events to engage interested public participants.  During the 2019 nesting season, the City held 3 outreach events on our public beach to advise people of our beach and sea turtle program, which included a short discussion, beach walk, and nest excavation.  Attendees were able to learn about the City’s beach program, watch the monitor uncover the nest, and see a baby sea turtle. These events were a great success and will be performed in future years.

Appropriate lighting is Important! 

• Sea Turtle hatchlings are guided to the ocean by an instinct to travel toward the sky's reflection off the ocean.
• Today, coastal areas are highly populated and the artificial lights can deter females from nesting and disorient hatchling turtles.
• The City adopted Ordinance 11-14 in May, 2014 setting requirement for new and existing beachfront lighting. inspections are conducted by the City's Code Enforcement staff to confirm compliance.
• Please contact Code Enforcement at 561-243-7219 to report a suspected violation.
• Sea turtle nesting season along Florida's beaches is from March 1st to October 31st. 
• Loggerheads nest most often on Delray's beaches, followed by Green, Leatherback and occasionally Hawksbill and Kemp's Ridley.

Sea turtle nesting success is a community effort!

The City of Delray beach needs your cooperation in keeping the beach dark, safe and free of obstacles for turtle and their hatchlings. It is critical that beach property owners:

• Move portable items (Chairs and cabanas) to the sandy foot of the dune each night to ensure sea turtles can easily navigate along the beach. Please avoid dune vegetation.
• Ensure that no direct or indirect light is visible from the bench, including drawing curtains closed at night to shield bright indoor lights.
• Keep your distance, lights off and quietly observe if you encounter a nesting turtle.

Turtle Lighting Basics

Please follow FWC's guidelines in order for your lighting to be turtle-friendly!

1. Keep It Long - Sea turtles are less disturbed by long wavelengths of light, including those found in amber, orange and red LED bulbs.
2. Keep It Low - The lower the light fixture, the less likely it will be seen from the beach. Proper light placement ensures that light illuminates the places where it is most needed. 
3. Keep It Shielded - Shielding the bulb minimizes "point source" light and directs the lights downwards, preventing light sources from being seen from the beach, while still providing sufficient lighting for people. You can find out where to buy shielded, wildlife lighting certified fixtures at the FWC's website.

Additional information about sea turtle conservation and lighting can be found at:

• Sea Turtle Conservation Program Brochure
• Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission