In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the critical issue of artificial lighting and its impact on local wildlife, particularly sea turtles. The conversation highlighted the need for responsible lighting practices that balance human needs with environmental protection.

The primary recommendation was to minimize artificial light exposure for nesting sea turtles, which can be disrupted by bright lights. While the ideal solution would be to eliminate artificial lighting altogether, the meeting emphasized the importance of understanding the purpose of any light used—whether for safety, aesthetics, or compliance—and exploring wildlife-friendly alternatives.

Three key guidelines were proposed to ensure lighting is less harmful to sea turtles:

1. **Keep it Low**: Light fixtures should be mounted as close to the ground as possible to limit light pollution in the surrounding area.

2. **Keep it Long**: Using longer wavelengths of light (560 nanometers or greater) is less disruptive to sea turtles, which are less affected by these wavelengths.

3. **Keep it Shielded**: Fixtures should be designed to prevent visibility of the light source from the beach, directing light downward to minimize its impact on wildlife.

Officials noted that if artificial light is visible from the beach, it could pose a threat to nesting sea turtles. To assist local municipalities in adopting these practices, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has developed a model lighting ordinance and a certified wildlife lighting program. These resources provide templates and guidelines for municipalities to create effective regulations that protect marine turtles during nesting seasons.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement and awareness regarding wildlife-friendly lighting options, encouraging residents to utilize the resources provided by FWC to make informed decisions about outdoor lighting.