from The City of Naples
Making A Positive Impact By Doing Our Part
To date, our reports are showing a higher number of nests compared to false crawls, and your cooperation is a big reason why. On one of the City’s beaches, what started as 25 lighting compliance cases has dwindled to just three – a testament to the effort and care shown by our community.
A darker shoreline, combined with the City’s ongoing dune restoration (more on this below) and the natural regrowth of vegetation, is creating a safer environment for nesting sea turtles.
Turtle Tally
- 194 Nests (↓ 20 compared to this time last year)
- 146 False Crawls (↓ 93 compared to this time last year)
The decline in false crawls positively suggests successful nesting behavior overall: female sea turtles are reaching the beach, finding safe spots to lay their eggs, and returning to the Gulf undisturbed – exactly as nature intended.
Keep Up The Good Work
Peak nesting season is upon us, and that means hatchlings are coming! This year’s dry conditions may push some to emerge ahead of schedule, and when they do, their sprint to the Gulf leaves no room for error. Artificial lights can disorient them, often with fatal consequences; therefore, it’s important we continue doing our part:
- Close window coverings after sunset
- Turn off unnecessary beachfront lighting at night
- Use turtle‑safe bulbs and shielded fixtures
- Before leaving the beach: fill in holes, flatten sandcastles, and remove all items
- Observe quietly, and respectfully, from afar
- Avoid using flashlights and flash photography on the beach at night
- Report distressed wildlife to the FWC at 888-404-3922 or online (Wildlife Alert)
- Use marked paths; walking on dunes destroys vegetation, accelerating erosion
Stay In The Loop
Follow the City of Naples on Instagram and Facebook for more nesting season updates, reminders, and conservation tips throughout the summer.
