Each May in Florida, sea turtle nesting season begins as female sea turtles emerge from the ocean to dig a nest in the sand where they lay their eggs. Nesting season continues throughout the summer and ends in early fall.

Florida's beaches provide critical nesting grounds for threatened and endangered sea turtles including:

• Green sea turtles
• Leatherback sea turtles
• Kemp's Ridley sea turtles
• Hawksbill sea turtles
• Loggerhead sea turtles

If you visit or live near beaches that are nesting grounds for sea turtles, there are some simple steps you can take (such as reducing light pollution) that help to protect sea turtle hatchlings.

Find out more: Florida Sea Turtle Information (Guide to Anna Maria Island)

Photo © Julia Gequillana