Without the support of the general public, the survival of sea turtles on our planet is doubtful. Here are some ways the concerned and interested citizen can help the cause:

1. As much as possible, refrain from walking on the beach at night during the summer months (April through August). No matter how quiet, humans will often, and unknowingly, frighten nesting sea turtles back into the sea.
2. Never keep baby or newly hatched sea turtles in aquariums or buckets of water. They may survive, but without the proper permits, this is a violation of the law.
3. Keep bright lights from shining onto the beach. If you have security or safety lights near the beach, build shades around the light so the beach is not directly illuminated. Hatchlings can be disoriented by the bright lights. Contact Broward County Environmental Protection Department for information regarding any local lighting ordinance and available options for compliance.
4. If you see someone harassing a sea turtle or poaching a nest, please call the local police.
5. Do not dispose of plastic bags in the ocean. Plastic bags in the ocean very closely resemble a favorite food of sea turtles (jellyfish) and can cause illness or death to the turtle that eats them. Other harmful objects include balloons, 6-pack rings, monofilament fishing lines and cigarette butts.
6. Stay clear of marked sea turtle nests on the beach.
7. Never interfere with hatchlings emerging from nests or walking along the beach towards the water. They have their natural ability to walk to the water from what seems like long distances for such small animals. By interfering with this trek, you are not helping these babies gain the information and skills they need to survive and return as adults.
8. Never use flashlights, flash photography or video camera lights on nesting turtles or hatchlings. Lights can cause disorientation of nesting turtles and hatchlings.