What to do when you see a sea turtle on the beach

If you see an uninjured nesting or hatchling sea turtle while enjoying the beach, keep your distance. NOAA recommends observing the turtle from at least 50 yards away.

After dark – avoid using flashlights, camera flashes, and brightly lit devices. These lights can distract and disorient both nesting and hatchling turtles.

If you encounter an injured or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement at 1-888-404-FWCC.

What to do when you see a sea turtle from a boat

If you spot a turtle from a boat, keep your distance. NOAA recommends observing the turtle from at least 50 yards away.

Slow down, operate at no-wake speed, and avoid sudden changes of direction while observing the turtle.

Never attempt to feed a turtle and avoid introducing loose fishing line and other debris into the water.

Information from PADI Dive Center, FWC, Sea Turtle Preservation Society, and NOAA Fisheries.