If you see an injured or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement at 1-888-404-FWCC.
What to do when you see a sea turtle on the beach
Sea turtles are ancient and fascinating creatures, and seeing one is always a special experience. However, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and can be easily disturbed. If you spot an uninjured sea turtle or hatchling on the beach, observe from a distance and do not interfere. Even a small disturbance can frighten a turtle, causing it to abandon a nesting site, become disoriented, or experience stress that affects its survival. NOAA recommends watching from at least 50 yards away, so be sure to bring binoculars or a zoom lens to enjoy the moment respectfully.
Human activity can quickly disrupt turtle behavior, so staying calm and quiet is essential. Loud noises, sudden movement, or getting too close could cause a nesting mother to abandon her nest, which could result in the loss of her eggs. This kind of disruption can have lasting impacts on sea turtle populations, many of which are already threatened or endangered.
If you’re on the beach after sunset, avoid using flashlights, camera flashes, or brightly lit screens. Artificial light can disorient nesting females and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and into danger. If you live near the coast, it’s helpful to turn off outdoor lights and close curtains or blinds to reduce light pollution that may reach the beach.
What to do when you see a sea turtle from a boat
The same respectful behavior applies when you see a sea turtle from a boat. Keep a distance of at least 50 yards and observe quietly. Slow down, operate at no-wake speed, and avoid sudden changes of direction while observing the turtle. If the turtle approaches the boat, do not attempt to touch it or feed it. Feeding or interacting with turtles can change their natural behavior and harm their chances of survival. If you’re fishing, take extra care by reeling in your line and removing any loose lines or debris from the water to prevent entanglement.
How to safely help hatchlings reach the ocean
Two of the most stressful events in a sea turtle’s life are hatching and laying eggs. These delicate processes require patience, care, and minimal interference from people. If you encounter a nest or hatching turtle, allow nature to take its course. The hatchlings’ journey to the sea helps them build the strength they need to survive in the ocean.
While you should never pick up or move the hatchlings, you can help them by removing any obstacle that is in their way. This includes flattening sandcastles and man-made mounds, filling in large holes, removing trash or debris, and clearing beach furniture that could block their path. As previously mentioned, keep lights off in these situations as sea turtles rely on the moon and ocean to guide their way.
Supporting sea turtle conservation
It’s illegal to handle sea turtles without proper training and permits, and attempting to do so can cause more harm than good. The best thing you can do if you see a turtle in distress is to contact local wildlife authorities. In Florida, that means calling the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Individual action can and does support sea turtle conservation. You can support these efforts by respecting beach signage and closures, avoiding driving on marked nesting beaches, participating in beach cleanups, and learning more about how to protect these incredible animals. Sharing this knowledge with others also helps build a culture of care and awareness around sea turtle conservation.
Information from Loggerhead Marine Center, NOAA, and FWC. Cover image by Mikie Green (CC BY-NC).