Sea Turtles and Lights - Balancing Property Rights, Safety, and Sea Turtle Survival - Ocean Ridge
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Sea Turtles and Lights
Balancing Property Rights, Safety,
and Sea Turtle Survival
Tonya Long
Imperiled Species Management
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
This presentation is property of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Photo: T. Long, FWC
Commission – slides may not be used or distributed without permission.
Sea Turtles Nesting in Florida
Photo: M. Nicholas, Gulf Islands National Seashore Photo: FWC Photo: B. Witherington, FWC
Loggerhead Leatherback Green
(Caretta caretta) (Dermochelys coriacea) (Chelonia mydas)
Status: Threatened Status: Endangered Status: Threatened
Photo: T. Hirama, FWC Photo: N. Brockhoff
Kemp's Ridley Hawksbill
(Lepidochelys kempii) (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Status: Endangered Status: Endangered
Sea Turtle Nesting 101
• Nesting season is March 1 - October 31.
• Nesting and hatching both occur at night.
• Nests contain about 100 eggs and incubate about 2
months.
• Females nest every 2 – 3 years and several times per
season.
• Females return to nest in the same general areas where
they hatched – SE FL turtles are truly OUR turtles!
Photo: T. Long, FWC
Nesting in Florida ▪ About 40% of worldwide loggerhead nesting occurs in Florida – more than anywhere else in the world! ▪ Palm Beach County has some of the highest nesting density in the state.
Threats Hindering Sea Turtle Recovery
Artificial Lighting
Bay St. Johns
Photo: FWC
Photo: L. Brown, FWC
Volusia
Pinellas
Photo: K. Schanzle, FWC
Photo: T. Long, FWC
Collier Broward
Photo: FWC Photo: K. Schanzle, FWC
Effects on Nesting Females
• Deters females from emerging I’m
from the water to nest.
lost!
• Interferes with females finding
their way back to the water.
Photo: Ecological Associates, Inc.
Me
too!
Photo: S. Schaf, FWC
Photo: T. Long, FWC
Photo: FWC LE
Effects on Hatchlings
Hatchlings rely on multiple visual cues to find the water
• TOWARD bright open areas/horizons • Attracted to SHORT wavelength light
• AWAY from dark silhouettes (dunes) • Less disturbed by LONG wavelength light
ATTRACTION INDIFFERENCE AVERSION
Witherington et al. 2014
Conflicting cues often lead to disorientation.
Hatchling Disorientations
Undisturbed hatchlings: Disoriented hatchlings:
seaward orientation circular orientation
in a “V” formation or not towards the ocean
Photo: FWC Photo: Sea Turtle Conservation League of Singer Island
Hatchling Disorientations
• Hatchlings have a limited energy reserve for their “frenzy” period.
• Any delay on the beach results in increased dehydration,
exhaustion, predation, and death.
Photo: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Photo: C. Lorne Photo: R. Trindell, FWC
Disorientation Reports • Tell us what areas are being impacted by artificial light and to what extent. • Reports do not signify non-compliance with the ordinance and should not be sent with violation notices. • They provide locations of potential problems and can be used to trigger an inspection.
Disorientation Events 2011 – 2020
3000 3.0%
2500 2.5%
Disorientation Rate
Number of Reports
2000 2.0%
1500 1.5%
1000 1.0%
500 0.5%
0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Hatchling Events Adult Events Disorientation RateRegulations – Addressing Disorientations
Federal
Endangered Species Act
State
Florida Marine Turtle
Model Lighting Ordinance
Protection Act (379.2431(1)
(62B-55 F.A.C.)
F.S.)
Local
Local Lighting OrdinancesTracking Disorientations
www.MyFWC.com: Search “disorientation”Tools of the Trade • Camera (no flash photos!) • Spectroscope • Data sheets • Pens/pencils • Map or address list • Brochures or pamphlets • Red LED flashlight or headlamp (use ONLY when needed)
Where to Survey
When to Survey Initial Survey – Nighttime Follow-up – Daytime • At least 1 hr after sunset • By appointment with the property • Early morning not recommended • Bring nighttime report/photos for • Avoid weekends/holidays/events reference
Data Collection • Date and time of survey • Property address • Property type • Interior lights visible? Indirectly Visible • Cumulative light visible? Color? • Type and number of visible fixtures • Light source color (white, amber, multi-color) Directly Visible • Is light source directly or indirectly visible? • Location of fixtures • Brightness or severity Photo: T. Long, FWC • Photos taken? • Recommended modifications
What should you do if you see a turtle at night?
Nesting Female
• Stay at least 50’ away and as still as possible
• Never position yourself in front of her face (at
or behind front flippers while she is nesting)
• Do not use lights or take pictures
• Do not touch or interact
• Sick/injured→ call FWC 888-404-3922
• Discourage the public from approaching
• If you observe harassment (lights, touching,
photos)
• Call FWC 888-404-3922
Photo: FWCWhat should you do if you see a turtle at night?
Hatchlings
• Stay at least 20’ away
• Never position yourself in front of the hatchling or
between the hatchling and the ocean
• Do not use lights or take pictures
• Do not touch or interact unless the hatchling is
headed AWAY from the ocean
• Call FWC 888-404-3922
• If you observe harassment (lights, touching,
photos)
• Call FWC 888-404-3922
Photo: T. Long, FWCYou’re ready to survey! But how do you know if
lights are problematic?
Lights should follow FWC’s Three Golden Rules:
1) Keep it Low
2) Keep it Long
3) Keep it ShieldedFWC Golden Rule Number 1
Keep it Low
• Keep mounting heights low to minimize light trespass.
• Keep the brightness low and use only the lumen output needed. For most
applications this can be minimal.
Photo: T. Long, FWC Photo: T. Long, FWCPhotos: FWC
FWC Golden Rule Number 2
Keep it Low
Keep it Long (wavelength)
Photos: J. Higgins and T. Long, FWC
• Use bulbs with wavelengths greater than
560 nm (amber, orange, red).
• Other colored lights are just as disruptive
as white lights.
Photo: T. Long, FWCSHORT Wavelength
Highly disruptive to sea turtles
Incandescent Fluorescent and CFL White LED Bug Bulb
Also: Halogen, Mercury Vapor, Metal Halide, High Pressure SodiumLONG Wavelength
The best current technology
Red LED Orange LED Amber LED Low Pressure
Sodium (LPS)FWC Golden Rule Number 3
Keep it Low
Keep it Long
Keep it Shielded
• Eliminate the point source of light. Photo: K. Schanzle, FWC
• Use full cut-off or fully recessed fixtures.
• Use 180 to 270-degree external beachside
shields when in proximity to the beach.
Photo: T. Long, FWCShielded, Full Cutoff Fixtures
Photos: T. Long and K. Schanzle, FWCUnshielded lights contribute to cumulative
sky glow.
Approximately 60% of disorientation reports annually list sky
glow as a contributing source of light!
Photo: T. Long, FWCDon’t forget the accessories!
Baffles Louvers
Photo: T. Long, FWC Photo: T. Long, FWC
• Focus light downward instead of outward.
• Help prevent wall wash and excess glow on nearby objects.Fixing Common Problems
• Is the light source the wrong color?
• Change the lamp to a RED, ORANGE, or AMBER LED.
• Is the light source directly visible?
• Install shielding to block light visible from the beach.
• Is there wall wash or excessive glow?
• Install baffles and louvers to reduce glow.
• Does the fixture need too many modifications?
• Install a fixture that directs light down and away from the beach.
• Is the fixture only used for decoration?
• Disconnect and turn off light – ONLY IF IT IS NOT NEEDED.
Photos: T. Long and K. Schanzle, FWCYES Is the fixture visible NO
from the beach?
NO
Fixture is OK
Is the fixture Turn off or
required for safety? disconnect
WAYS TO CORRECT
YES Lower fixture height
Is it LOW? Lower wattage
Fixture should meet Is it LONG Change bulb to
Golden Rules (all 3) WAVELENGTH? amber/orange/red LED
Aluminum flashing
Is it SHIELDED? Baffles/louvers
Vegetation/placement“Halfway” Solutions to Lighting Problems
Timers, switching off lights, or changing bulbs/LED colors
seasonally are NOT recommended long-term solutions.
But WHY?
• Prone to malfunctions, tampering, or
forgetfulness
• New property managers often not aware of
procedures
• Creates more work for the property
• Creates more work for Code Enforcement
• Lower levels of compliance
• *May create unsafe conditions*
Photos: T. Long, FWCDon’t forget about interior lights!
• Interior lights can be even brighter than
exterior lights.
• Easy solutions:
• Close window coverings at night.
• Turn off lights when you leave the room.
• Move lamps away from windows.
• Use fixtures with shades instead of exposed bulbs.
• Use lights on a dimmer switch to reduce the
brightness.
• Use low wattage, warm white bulbs.
• Install low-transmittance tint (15% is
recommended).
Photo: T. Long, FWCWhere to Find Good Fixtures and Bulbs
Go to www.MyFWC.com and search “wildlife lighting”
https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/criteria/certified/Common Concerns from Properties
“Installing turtle-friendly lights will make our property too dark.”
It doesn’t have to! Properly-designed lights can create well-lit, functional spaces.
• Light is directed only where it’s needed, making highly-used areas brighter.
• Lights can be left on year-round, providing more light than if non-compliant lights were turned off for
the season.
• New lighting should always meet Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code minimum
requirements.
Photo: T. Long, FWC Photo: T. Long, FWCCommon Concerns from Properties
“Turtle-friendly lights will make our property unsafe.”
Believe it or not, brighter is not always better.
• Most studies do not conclude that more light = less crime. Sometimes more light = MORE crime.
• Several recommendations overlap with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) –
used by many police departments.
• Humans see well in low level, long-wavelength light – less glare, better able to see movement/contrast.
?
Photo: FAU Astronomical Observatory Photo: FAU Astronomical ObservatoryCommon Concerns from Properties
“We’ve had these lights for years and they’ve never been a problem.”
Not receiving a previous citation doesn’t mean the lighting is appropriate or that
disorientations haven’t occurred.
• Ordinances may be updated, leading to new regulations or enforcement strategies.
• Disorientations are often missed and therefore, are not reported.
• Changes in beach topography or vegetation can cause lights to become visible that weren’t previously.
Photo: K. Schanzle, FWC Photo: K. Schanzle, FWCCommon Concerns from Properties
“New lighting will be way too expensive.”
The upfront cost may be high, but the benefits add up quickly.
• LEDs use about 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs (lower monthly electricity cost) and last
about 10 years (lower replacement cost).
• The cost of switching from incandescent to LED can be recouped in less than 2 years.
• Sometimes grant funding may be available to help with the cost.Staying on Track
• Distribute pre-season educational
information to remind residents and
guests about good lighting practices.
• Conduct a pre-season lighting survey
to identify potential non-compliant
properties.
• Conduct regular lighting surveys
throughout the season (at least
monthly if possible) to monitor
lighting and identify new problems.Goal: Good Lighting for Turtles AND People
Photo: T. Long, FWC Photo: T. Long, FWC
Crown Hotel,
Miami Beach
Photo: T. Long, FWCThank you!
Tonya Long
Tonya.Long@MyFWC.com
Want more info?
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