As we mentioned before in"Turtle Friendly Bulbs Make a Positive Environmental Impact",when sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest,they seek the light of the moon to make a mad dash into the ocean and begin their swim to safety.Lights that shine onto a nesting beach can draw turtle hatchlings away from the water and off the beach,where they have a slim chance of survival.
On Aug.16,a sea turtle nest hatching occurred near a property In Fort Meyers,FL.Sea turtle hatchlings were disoriented and directed towards the property lights instead of the natural light of the night's horizon.
The code compliance officer,was on night patrol that evening when the renters of the home approached him.The artificial light caused the disorientation of 17 hatchlings,eight of which died.
"We were walking down the beach that night,and the people that were staying there approached us and told us that there were sea turtles all over their porch,in their laundry room and in their house,"the code compliance officer said.
Code enforcement cites the property management or realty company of record and the property owners.From a code enforcement perspective,renters are not deemed liable.
However,town officials and a property management firm cited in the incident agreed to a determination of"no finding of fact for violation"on October 3,2012.
There will be no fine against the owner of the property or the property management firm.Property management provided paperwork as proof that,prior to the incident,information relating to a notice about sea turtle nesting season was posted within the building and a Town notice was within the building's welcoming packet.
It is Florida and Federal law to comply with sea turtle regulations by turning off or shielding any inappropriate lighting,pulling window drapes down if you live beachside and place all outdoor furniture,toys and tents land-ward of beach vegetation.
Lighting can have a great impact on our personal lives,the lives of those around us and even on the environment.With proper lighting design and education you can get proper lighting,make your home look better,save money and even help the environment.
