As we honor those who have lost their lives serving our nation this Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember the impacts of increased beach activity on coastal wildlife. SCCF staff have gathered the below tips to help you celebrate Memorial Day responsibly.

• Don’t disturb staked off sea turtle nest areas.
• Only use red lights on the beach at night. Other lighting (including flashlights) can disorient sea turtle hatchlings trying to make it to the water.
• Give at least 300 feet of space around nesting birds and respect posted areas even if you don’t see birds inside.
• Don’t feed wildlife. Feeding crows and gulls attracts them to nesting areas, putting eggs and chicks at risk.
• Leave your pets at home or keep them on a leash. Dogs can frighten shorebirds and cause them to abandon nests and/or expend precious energy.
• Remove beach furniture, fill in holes, and flatten sand castles before leaving.
• While boating, have a designated lookout for sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins.
• Properly dispose of fishing lines, which can injure and kill wildlife.
• Collect and throw away all food and trash.

Please call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663 to report issues with sea turtles, hatchlings, or nests, or to report lighting issues, beach furniture, or holes on the beach.

Thank you to all those who have served or continue to serve our nation!