Illuminating the Impacts of Tourists With Hand-Held Lights on Sea Turtles

Abstract

The marine life of the ocean is in decline. Over a period spanning 300 years, the human ecological footprint decimated sea turtle populations. Though sea turtle over-exploitation is mostly controlled, recent documented anthropogenic threats such as light pollution remain a pervasive threat to sea turtles. Light pollution is obtrusive artificial light originating form infrastructure and other forms of human development that can alter animal behaviors critical for survival. The implications of artificial light for both nesting females and hatchling sea turtles are well documented. Light pollution can disrupt female egg-laying and may result in lower density in favorable habitat. Artificial light at night can also disorient hatchlings upon emergence from the nest as they attempt to orient to the sea. Policies enacted to protect turtles from light pollution often restrict hand-held light use on beaches due to claims that tourists with flashlights can disturb nesting females and disrupt hatchling sea-finding. However, a review of all the science and literature found limited research that examines the significance of tourists with hand-held lights for marine turtles. Lack of published literature identifies a gap in knowledge concerning this topic and highlights that future research is needed on the effects of hand-held lights on nesting and hatchling sea turtles.