Share the Beach, a conservation program for Alabama’s sea turtle nests through the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF), has reported 48 turtle nests and 63 false crawls since nesting season began May 1.

False crawls, when a mama turtle returns to the water without laying her eggs, can be reduced by mindful practices of what type of light is used on and near the beach at night, according to Share the Beach Director Rachael Holdsworth.

In a Share the Beach newsletter from Holdsworth, she mentioned ACF is offering free local deliveries of sea turtle-friendly flashlights, which are included as a Share the Beach membership incentive.

She encouraged the use of these lights to reduce false crawls and to give “these gentle giants” a better chance at surviving.

“Our special flashlights use a red bulb with a long wavelength that is less disruptive to what sea turtles see,” Holdsworth said in the email. “Unlike bright white lights, which can scare nesting females back into the water or lead them long distances out of their way, red lights help protect their natural behaviors.”

According to this month's ACF newsletter, light streaming from beach-facing windows and porches can also deter or distract turtles on the shore.

To prevent this, the newsletter recommends closing blinds or curtains on windows and using sea-turtle friendly bulbs or turning off exterior lights. The newsletter also encourages using sea-turtle friendly flashlights when on the beach at night.

“Together, we can make the Alabama coast a safer place for nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings,” the newsletter reads.

If you spot a nesting sea turtle, keep your distance, keep quiet and keep flashlights off. To report a sea turtle sighting or nest location call 866-SEA-TURTLE (866-732-8878).

Sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31 each year. During this time, sea turtle sightings, nests and hatchings can all be expected.

As previously reported by GCM, there were a total of 78 nests found in Alabama in 2024 and 143 found in 2023. 

“July tends to be our most active nesting month, so we expect our numbers to grow,” the newsletter reads after the announcement of reported nests and false crawls.

The loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley and green sea turtles are the most common species spotted on Alabama’s beaches. All are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which means it is illegal to take, touch or even interfere with these federally protected sea turtles. A violation can result in up to a $100,000 fine.

For more information on the ACF or Share the Beach visit joinACF.org.