Turtle-Friendly Tips
-
No cell phone or flashlights (even red lights) on the beach at night
-
Close blinds so interior lights cannot be seen from the beach
-
Use turtle-friendly lighting (red or amber LEDs) with shields or turn off lights that can be seen from the beach.
-
Report any non-turtle friendly lights that can be seen from the beach to your local code enforcement.
-
Fill in your holes and remove your beach items, furniture, and trash every night when you leave the beach.
If you find a hatchling in danger, in the road, in a pool, or just off the beach, here’s what to do:
-
Pick up the hatchling to get it out of danger
-
Place it in a bucket/container (you can put a little sand in the bucket but NO WATER!)
-
Call AMITW’s 24/7 Hotline 941-301-8434 for more instructions
-
Please do not release hatchlings on your own. If they are sick or injured, they may not be able to swim.
Shorebird-Friendly Tips
We also remind folks that we share the beach with shorebirds. Some birds are resting and feeding their young, while others are stopping on AMI to rest and feed during long migratory journeys. To help protect the birds while you enjoy the island, please follow these simple suggestions:
-
Give them space by walking around the flock.
-
Allow the birds to rest and feed quietly without running through the flock.
-
Birds eat fish, insects and crustaceans . . . not bread.
-
Enjoy them from a distance . . . especially the begging youngsters.