TURTLE FRIENDLY LIGHTING BASICS

EXTERIOR

The light source of the fixture should not be visible from the beach (use shielded fixtures, ie. "can" type).

The light source should not illuminate the beach -directly, indirectly or cumulatively.

The light fixture should direct light down and away from the beach.

Use a 25 watt "bug" bulbs or a low voltage equivalent in shielded light fixtures.

For decks, stairways, walkways and boardwalks use low–profile, low-level luminaries that are shielded on the top and the beach side. These should be no more that 18" from the surface area intended to be illuminated.

DO NOT use fluorescent, or high intensity lighting of any sort.

Turn pool lights off from dusk to dawn and lock pool enclosure, i.e. close pool at dusk May 1-Oct. 31.

Label light switches for visitors and use turtle alert stickers on any fixture visible from the nesting beach.

Underhouse lights get left on frequently. Use an illuminated "lights on" indicator switch and be sure there is a switch inside the house.

Permanently remove or disable any fixture which cannot be brought into compliance with these standards

Turn off lights when not in use.

INTERIOR

Close light blocking window treatments (curtains, blinds, shades) from dusk to dawn during nesting/hatching season - May 1-Oct. 31.

Lights should have light blocking shades and/or directional lights (can or track lights) with the light directed downward – not up or out or towards a wall that will reflect the light.

Rearrange lamps and other moveable furniture to shield interior lights from the beach.

Turn off unnecessary lights.

Apply 20% VLT window tint. Tinted windows also need light blocking window treatments for use at night.

Keep sea turtle information in your home to inform your guests that this is a sea turtle nesting beach and inform them as to what measures to take to protect this endangered resource.
FRIENDLY LIGHTING FOR POOLS AND POOL DECKS

Deck lighting:

Fixture should be well shielded and downward directed with a low intensity light source.

Light fixtures should be fitted with 25-watt "bug" bulbs (if 120V) or a low intensity low voltage light source.

The light source should be no higher than 18" off the deck surface.

The number of fixtures should be the minimum number to get an adequate "spread" of light that will avoid dark spots. Don’t overdo it. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission suggests a shielded landscape tier light for pool decks which are 14" tall.)

The object here is to provide task lighting for safe footing while limiting the light scatter. Floods are a no-no for turtles and for safety (glare can be blinding and shadows are trip hazards).

In-pool lighting:

The popular "lagoon" pool look, using a deep sea blue pool interior, is a great idea for a beach-side pool because this color reflects less light upward than the traditional white or light blue interior, thus minimizing the glow above the pool surface.

Lighting of the pool interior should be kept at a minimum to safely illuminate the pool and prevent someone accidentally falling in the pool at night.

Amber or red lights, preferably a "bug" type will help reduce reflective glow over the pool - whether it is the color of the bulb or the lens doesn't matter. Amber and red pool light lens covers are available from Cox Pools in Panama City and Blue Water Pools at SGI. Red is a better color for the turtles but amber will likely be more acceptable for owners and guests.

The object is to offer something that people will use regularly. Seasonal changes are discouraged because they are easily forgotten or over-looked. Ideally, pools should be installed with a permanent amber lens. In the event that this isn't feasible go with an applied amber lens cover.

Pool lighting is best turned off when the pool is not in use. If the pool can be closed at night (gate locked) and the lights turned off this would be ideal and has been used successfully by a local town-home complex.

Solid fencing around the pools will help block light scatter as will landscaping with tall evergreen shrubbery as a "screen" between the pool and the beach.