Lights out for sea turtles

  • Published
  • By 45th Space Wing Civil Engineer Squadron
  • 45th Space Wing Civil Engineer Squadron
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Sea turtle nesting season is May 1 to Oct. 31, and the 45th Space Wing, mission partners, residents and visitors, are reminded to observe and help protect wildlife.

The beaches at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, and Patrick AFB are prime nesting habitat for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles. Artificial lighting negatively affects nocturnal sea-turtle behavior of both adults and hatchlings.

Disorientation occurs when sea turtles crawl toward inland light sources rather than the ocean. To minimize injury, or death to sea turtles protected by the Endangered Species Act, all nonessential lighting must be extinguished between 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during nesting season. Exterior lighting that is not mission, safety, or security essential, is to be extinguished during this time frame.

For further information about exterior lighting at 45th Space Wing installations, refer to the Space Wing Instruction (SWI): 45 SWI 32-7001, Exterior Lighting Management.

Questions regarding the requirements of the SWI, or concerns relating to sea turtles and lighting should be directed to 45th Space Wing Civil Engineering Squadron Installation Management Flight at 321-853-6858/6438.