Light Pollution and Sea Turtles

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Light pollution has become a problem for sea turtle hatchlings along developed coastlines. The hatchlings have a natural instinct to move to the brightest direction which on a naturally lit beach is the night sky over the ocean. However, the artificial light that is found on developed coastlines, disorients sea turtle hatchlings and as a result they move towards this light instead of the ocean. According to an article on conserveturtles.org, only 1 in 1000 sea turtle hatchlings survive to maturity therefore changing artificial lighting practices on beaches would help the sea turtle population. The implementation and enforcement of artificial light ordinances for coastal homeowners would be a solution to the effects of light pollution on sea turtle hatchlings.

Florida coastlines are home to several species of sea turtles which includes the loggerhead sea turtle. In fact, 90% of loggerheads nest in Florida with the majority taking place on the eastern shore. (“Loggerhead Nesting In Florida.”) In 2013 there were 24,630 loggerhead nests reported in Brevard County in the Florida Statewide Beach Survey Program. When viewing a map of the United States that shows light pollution, Brevard County still shows dark areas. Perhaps this influences the nesting of the loggerhead turtles.

Light pollution is the introduction of artificial light, either directly or indirectly, into the environment. (“Light Pollution”) Nesting females are affected by this when choosing a nest site, they may not leave the ocean to lay their eggs on shore. If they do leave the ocean, the artificial light can cause them to not be able to find a suitable nesting site, thus forcing the females to give up and lay their eggs in the ocean or not at all. The ...

... middle of paper ...

...on so far to aid in the diminishing of the light pollution issue.

Works Cited

"Are Sea Turtles Worth Saving?" Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire. N.p., 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. .
"Information About Sea Turtles: Threats to Sea Turtles." Sea Turtle Conservancy. N.p., n.d.
Web. 24 Apr. 2014.

Leopold, Aldo. "Conservation." Round River; from the Journals of Aldo Leopold. New York: Oxford UP, 1953. 145-46. Print.
"Light Pollution." NPS: Explore Nature » Night Skies ». N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. .
"Loggerhead Nesting In Florida."Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. N.p., 2013. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.
.

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