It’s the Law!

It is mid-June and the peak of sea turtles coming ashore to nest! As you walk the beach, you will observe more and more posted and caged nests.

Each posted nest contains a bright yellow signage from the Marco Island Police Department. It is a DO NOT DISTURB Sea Turtle Nest Sign: “DO NOT PLACE ANYTHING WITHIN 25ft of this sign. Violators subject to fines!

• The buffer of 25 feet is crucial for the nests' protection to ensure that they remain undisturbed by human activity, which can threaten the eggs inside the nest.
• This is to prevent people from walking too close to the nest and posing a danger to the nest cavity.

According to FWC, while it is exciting to witness a sea turtle coming to nest on the beach, getting too close (50 feet or less) can cause them to leave the beach before they complete the nesting process. If the sea turtle changes its behavior, you are likely too close.

Summary of Nightly Beach Report for the Month of May (Section 54-151©3)

• Pedestrian Lights – 88 pedestrians were “educated on the applicable City Code,” resulting in immediate compliance.
• Building Lights – 46 building light violations were referred to Code Enforcement for follow-up.
• Manmade Objects – 40 manmade objects were recorded. Users were educated on City Code, resulting in immediate compliance (objects were removed).
• Fishing licenses were checked for compliance.
• Drones - No Data available (not checked for compliance/ownership).
• May Beach Patrol was used as an educational tool - No Notice of Violations were issued.

For the month of June, FWC will be helping MIPD night patrol check for fishing licenses.