Why Do Beach Lights Hurt Baby Sea Turtles?

Artificial lights can mislead hatchlings away from the sea. On a natural beach, the open ocean view and the darker silhouette of dunes help guide them. They do not need a visible moon. FWC's hatchling-lighting research.

A bright light can become the wrong cue

Light visible from a building or road can attract a hatchling inland. FWC also describes artificial lighting deterring adult nesting. These effects do not mean every lit beach has no nests or every affected hatchling dies; they explain why reducing beach-visible light matters. FWC behavior guidance.

Color alone does not solve the problem

FWC's wildlife-lighting criteria combine three requirements: low mounting and output, long-wavelength light, and shielding. Long-wavelength light is less disruptive, not invisible to turtles. A bare bright amber lamp is not automatically suitable. FWC fixture criteria.

For necessary safety lighting, ask the property manager about an appropriate fixture and placement. Do not disable essential safety lights. Close curtains and switch off unnecessary decorative lighting instead. FWC practical lighting advice.

What children can do

Tell an adult if you notice lights shining toward a nesting beach. Follow the site's visitor rules, keep personal lights and flash photography away from turtles, and leave wildlife and nests alone. Adults can consult the local authority about required lighting standards; recommendations on this page do not replace a local ordinance.

Draw a beach with an open sea horizon, dunes and a house. Where could a curtain or shield reduce light reaching the sand? Then read how hatchlings begin their journey or explore our learning activities.