Sea turtles visit our beaches every year to nest from May through October. In order to protect these turtles, a local program, Share the Beach, was established to advocate for their livelihood and habitat. If you encounter a sea turtle nest while on our beaches, keep your distance, don't bother it, and don't shine flashlights at it. To report a nest or nesting turtle, contact the Sea Turtle Hotline at 1-866-Sea-Turtle (1-866-732-8878). It is a federal crime to disturb sea turtles or their nests, and doing so can result in up to $15,000 in fines. 

Turtles aren't the only creatures who use our beaches as nesting grounds. Every March through September, birds such as Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers nest on Alabama's Beaches. Because they nest on the ground their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predators, weather events, and human disturbance. You can help these birds by keeping an eye out for, and staying out of, posted nesting areas when walking on the beach. Shorebirds' nests blend in with the sand and may be easily stepped on. Never attempt to move a nest or chicks. It is best practice to not scare away adult nesting birds. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty act it is a federal crime to take, harm, or harass nesting shorebirds and is punishable with fines up to $100,00.

Sand dunes play an essential role in our coastal ecosystem, and we have the local Alabama beach mice to thank for helping us keep our dune systems healthy. These tiny creatures weigh less than one pound but play a big impact. They burrow in the sand during the day but scurry around at night, collecting and distributing sea oats and beach grass seeds across the dunes. These seeds grow into plants that help stabilize the dunes and protect them against harsh weather. You can help protect both the sand dunes and the endangered Alabama beach mice by not walking on or disturbing the dunes.

Leave only footprints on the beach by removing all belongings, including toys, chairs, tents, coolers and blankets, by sunset each day. This prevents them from being swept into the water and keeps our beaches clear for nesting sea turtles and rescue personnel. Please note that any items left on the beach before sunrise or after sunset will be discarded by beach patrol.  

If you dig a hole, fill it before you leave the beach. Holes are hazardous, particularly to sea turtles, nesting baby birds, and humans. Large holes also become a hazard to our first responders during rescues. Any holes dug on Alabama's Beaches must not exceed 12 inches deep.

Improperly discarded fishing gear is a danger to underwater habitats, marine life, coastal birds, and land animals. Remember to clean up any leftover lures, hooks, and line from the shore and from fish before releasing them. Additionally, it is illegal to discharge fuel, oil, or any other petroleum products into the water or use detergents or soaps to break up any spills. If you hook or entangle a bird while fishing, use this quick guide on how to safely handle the situation for you and the bird.

There is no better time to teach children the importance of recycling and picking up after themselves than at the beach. When exploring Alabama's Beaches for seashells, bring an extra bag to collect any litter you may find along your way. And, if you happen to stumble upon marine life or driftwood, take the time to be in awe of their beauty, but take a picture and leave it in its home.