news release

The 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially underway in Indian River County, marked by the first nest of the season laid by a leatherback sea turtle on Saturday, March 14. Nesting season began March 1 and will continue through October 31, representing an eight-month period of heightened conservation efforts and community awareness along the County’s beaches. As of March 18, four leatherback nests have been documented.

The arrival of the first nest serves as an important reminder that sea turtles are protected under Florida law, and that both residents and visitors play a critical role in their protection. Indian River County’s beaches provide essential nesting habitat for three species of sea turtles: loggerhead, green, and leatherback.

To support a successful nesting season, beachgoers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:

Keep beaches clean, flat, and dark

Properly dispose of trash and remove all personal items

Knock down sandcastles and fill in holes before leaving

Remove beach furniture and equipment at the end of the day

The County’s Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance (Sec. 932.09) is now in effect for the duration of the nesting season. Municipal lighting ordinances are also in place, and residents and property owners should consult their respective local regulations. Beginning at 9:00 p.m., all beachfront lighting must be shielded and not visible from the beach. Artificial light can disorient nesting females and hatchlings, often causing them to move away from the ocean. County officials are also emphasizing increased awareness this season due to recent environmental conditions.

“This winter’s unusually harsh freeze caused significant defoliation of dune vegetation,” said Coastal Specialist Dakota Whelan. “Native dune plants serve as a natural barrier, helping block upland lighting from reaching the beach. With reduced vegetation cover, lights that were previously shielded may now be visible. We anticipate dune vegetation will recover by the summer.”

While County beaches are best enjoyed during daylight hours, individuals accessing the beach at night should avoid the use of flashlights and flash photography and maintain a safe distance from nesting sea turtles to minimize disturbance.

For more information on sea turtles in Indian River County, visit indianriver.gov and search “sea turtles” to access County resources and educational materials. For additional questions or information, please contact Dakota Whelan, Coastal Specialist, at 772-226­1669 or dwhelan@indianriver.gov.