WATCH: Protecting Florida’s Ocean Guardians: How to Help During Sea Turtle Nesting Season on the Space Coast

maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem

ABOVE VIDEO: Sea Turtle Nesting Season is here, join Bobby Freeman, your Space Coast Realtor, as he shares why protecting these amazing creatures is so important.

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA —  Every year, from March through October, the beaches of Florida’s Space Coast transform into a vital nesting ground for thousands of sea turtles.

This natural wonder is an incredible sight to witness, but it also comes with a responsibility—protecting these ancient mariners so they can continue their crucial role in keeping our oceans healthy.

Why Are Sea Turtles Important?

Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem. They help control jellyfish populations, keep seagrass beds healthy, and contribute to the overall health of our oceans. Without them, the delicate balance of marine life could be disrupted.

“Sea turtles are more than just a beautiful part of our coastal environment; they are essential to our oceans’ health. It’s up to us to protect them and ensure future generations can continue to experience this incredible natural event,” says Nikki McCoy Freeman.

How You Can Help During Nesting Season

As locals and visitors enjoy the beaches of Cocoa Beach, there are simple but important steps everyone can take to help protect sea turtles and their hatchlings:

● Turn off or dim beachfront lights at night – Hatchlings rely on the moonlight to find the ocean, and artificial lights can disorient them, leading them away from the water.
● Give nesting turtles space – If you see a sea turtle on the beach at night, watch from a distance and avoid using flashlights or flash photography.
●Fill in beach holes and knock down sandcastles – Hatchlings can get trapped in obstacles left behind by beachgoers.
● Properly dispose of trash – Plastic bags, fishing lines, and other debris can be deadly to turtles.

Experience a Guided Turtle Walk

For those who want to witness this incredible event responsibly, local conservation groups offer guided turtle walks, where trained experts provide education while ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles. Organizations like the Sea Turtle Preservation Society offer these experiences, allowing residents and visitors to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Protecting a Coastal Treasure

“Sea turtle nesting season is one of the most incredible things about living on the Space Coast, and it’s up to all of us to protect these amazing creatures,” says Bobby Freeman, Space Coast Realtor. “Whether you live here year-round or are just visiting, small actions can make a big difference in their survival.”

By following these guidelines and spreading awareness, we can ensure that Cocoa Beach remains a safe haven for sea turtles for generations to come.

For more information on sea turtle conservation efforts, visit Sea Turtle Preservation Society.

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