During sea turtle nesting season, which began May 1 and continues through Oct. 31, Mote Marine Laboratory has offered a series of tips for beachgoers and coastal residents. Keeping these easy-to-remember reminders in mind can go a long way toward protecting nesting turtles and their young.

• DO stay away from sea turtle nests marked with yellow stakes and tape, as well as seabird nesting zones bounded by ropes.
• DO remain quiet and observe from a distance if you encounter a nesting sea turtle or hatchlings.
• DO shield or turn off outdoor lights visible from the beach from May through October.
• DO close drapes after dark and stack beach furniture at the dune line or, ideally, remove it from the beach.
• DO fill in holes that may trap hatchlings on their way to the water.
• DO NOT approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
• DO NOT use flashlights, headlamps or fishing lamps on the beach.
• DO NOT encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading to the water.
• DO NOT use fireworks on the beach.
• DO NOT walk dogs on any Sarasota County beach other than Brohard Paw Park in Venice. There, dogs must be leashed or under voice control, according to county ordinances.

Sea turtles are protected under federal law, and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle — living or dead — is subject to penalties. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at 941-388-4331.

If you find a dead or injured sea turtle, contact Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 941-988-0212. To learn more about turtle nesting season, visit Mote Marine Laboratory’s website at Mote Marine Laboratory.