NewsSNN NewsAugust 14, 2026Manatee
55 loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings die on Anna Maria Island due to artificial light disorientation
Fifty-five loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were found dead on Gulf Drive after artificial light from nearby homes and businesses caused them to crawl toward the road instead of the Gulf. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is urging residents and visitors to turn off lights and close blinds at night to prevent further hatchling deaths.
Read the full story at SNN NewsWhy It Matters
The incident highlights the impact of light pollution on local endangered species and serves as a reminder of existing community guidelines regarding nighttime lighting on Anna Maria Island.
Key Facts
- 55 loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were found dead on Gulf Drive on Anna Maria Island.
- The hatchlings were only hours old when they died.
- Artificial light from nearby homes and businesses disoriented the turtles, leading them toward the road instead of the Gulf.
- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch advises residents to turn off lights and close blinds after dark.
- Lights that are not red or amber in spectrum are identified as harmful to sea turtles.
- The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch operates a 24-hour hotline at (941) 301-8434 for reporting distressed hatchlings.
Who's Mentioned
organizationAnna Maria Island Turtle Watch“Organization monitoring turtle safety and providing guidance.”other941-301-8434“24-hour hotline for reporting distressed hatchlings.”personJoe Sellitto“Local resident.”personKristen Mazzarella“Executive Director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch.”personAudrey Phillips“Visitor from Indiana who discovered a hatchling.”locationAnna Maria Island“Location where the incident occurred.”