Proper Storage of Beach Furniture Protects Sea Turtles

In St. Lucie County, sea turtle nesting season is March 1 – November 15th.  It is a perilous time for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings on Florida’s coast.  Help make St. Lucie County a sanctuary of sea turtle friendly beaches.  Artificial lighting, improperly stowed beach furniture and other human-related impacts can hinder their path to the sea or cause disorientation.  Sea turtles can become entangled in improperly stored beach furniture.

Sea Turtle Crawl
This sea turtle crawl around furniture was taken on a beach in Martin County, FL. Photo Credits: K. Gioeli

St. Lucie County is using new tags for beach furniture left out overnight on the beach.  These tags feature an educational reminder of the need to properly store beach furniture.  They are made of sturdy paper and can be strapped to beach furniture. These furniture tags were requested by residents volunteering on the St. Lucie County Sea Turtle Friendly Work Group.

Beach Furniture Tags
Beach furniture tags like these are used as a reminder about the need to properly store beach furniture during Sea Turtle Nesting Season. Photo credits: K. Gioeli

In addition, UF/IFAS has an infographic available “Give sea turtles a safe path”.  These infographics feature educational messaging designed to remind beachgoers about sea turtle friendly practices.  It can be purchased at the UF/IFAS Bookstore.

Sea Turtle Nesting Poster
Sea Turtle Nesting Poster

Information about St. Lucie County’s sea turtle friendly beaches program is available online.

2021 Update on Sea Turtle Friendly Beaches in St Lucie County

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties, UF/IFAS Extension works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

UF/IFAS Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

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Posted: June 3, 2021


Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, NATURAL RESOURCES, Work & Life
Tags: Endangered Species, Sea Turtle


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