Sea turtle populations have suffered worldwide declines, and their recovery here on public beaches largely depends upon the efforts of our beach side communities. Of the many ecological disturbances caused by shoreline development, light pollution is probably the most manageable. Light pollution on nesting beaches is hazardous to sea turtles because it alters critical nocturnal behaviors such as choosing a nesting site by an adult female and finding the sea by emerging hatchlings.

The following are some helpful recommendations that you may provide in order to protect the continued existence of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) at Folly Beach.

• Turn off all out door lighting in your beach front home from dusk until dawn (Folly Beach Lighting Ordinance 91-9)

• Reposition, redirect, lower and/or shield any light source, which may be visible from the sea. Motion detectors can be installed for safety purposes.

• Low-pressure sodium-vapor luminaries (or bug lights) are "turtle safe" and may be installed emitting low levels of short-wavelength light.

• Interior lighting can be reduced by moving lamps from windows, drawing blinds, or using "turtle safe glass" available at many window supply shops.

To protect sea turtles, artificial lighting need not be prohibited if it is properly managed. For further information call Folly Beach City Hall.