Sea turtle nesting has begun on the Gulf Coast with Orange Beach discovering its first nest of the season on Thursday, May 30, OBA announced on June 1.

Loggerheads, green sea turtles and Kemp's Ridley turtles all nest on Alabama's beaches during this time of year and are species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, prohibiting the use of flashlights or anything else that may disturb nests under the penalty of fines and/or jail time.

"Share the Beach'' volunteers continue to play a key role in ensuring the well-being of these nests and educate the public on the importance of clean beaches and the reduction of light pollution. Hatchlings use natural lighting reflected from the water to navigate this area and can be misled by outside light sources and made vulnerable to predators and exhaustion.

As nesting season in Orange Beach spans May 1 to Oct. 31, the city asks beach goers to follow all regulations and participate in conservation efforts by informing the Sea Turtle Hotline (1-866-Sea-Turtle) of any nests or sightings. "Share the Beach" advises the public to stay at least 30 feet removed from any nests, while also remaining both low and quiet.