Everything You Need To Know About Turtle Friendly LED Lamps 

If you own a seashore property, you should definitely switch to LED turtle lamps

The sea turtle population is dwindling fast across the world, and turtle-friendly LED lamps can go a long way to prevent that. 

You see, the decline in sea turtle numbers has much to do with the way we have been lighting our coastline so far. 

How, you might wonder? 

Well, sea turtles follow a natural path and come to the seashores for nesting, and it’s here that they’re distracted by artificial lights. 

As such, these disoriented turtles often end up inland in the towns and cities or by the roads. And if not rescued on time, these turtles are at risk of passing out and eventually dying.

Already, there are a little over a million nesting female sea turtles left worldwide, which isn’t a good sign. 

In fact, with the ever increasing population across the coastline, this problem is only set to get worse. 

Nevertheless, since the amber light produced by turtle lamps is beyond the visible wavelength for sea turtles, these lamps are the go-to solution to prevent the loss of turtle habitat. 

There’s more to turtle lighting fixtures, so let’s have a look up close. 

What are LED turtle lamps? 

As the name suggests, LED turtle lamps are designed to prevent disorientation among sea turtles while providing reliable outdoor lighting. 

Also known as beach-side shielding, these lights produce a scattered red or amber light that isn’t visible to turtles. And since these turtle-friendly lighting materials produce lights brought enough for humans, they prevent beaches, beach-front properties, and coastal roads from going dark. 

As a result, turtle lamps are able to significantly minimize the impact that regular lights have on turtle ecology. 

Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? 

How exactly do regular lights harm sea turtles? 

The world wildlife fund estimates that sea turtles may go completely extinct by 2050 if they aren’t protected and preserved. 

And to understand the importance of LED turtle lamps in the conservation process, we should know how artificial lighting has led to this crisis. 

But first, let’s see the process of sea turtle nesting.

Sea turtles, throughout their existence, have followed the practice of nesting on beaches. And they do so by following the moonlight and making their way to a beach, where they find a quiet spot for laying their eggs. 

When turtles are ready for nesting, they travel in large groups and in the cover of the dark to protect the folk from predators. Thereafter, both turtles and their little hatchlings (upon hatching) use their natural path created by the reflection of the moon to get back to the ocean. 

It is this very nesting process that is disrupted by artificial lighting. 

There are two ways bright lights affect turtle nesting: 

At first, the bright illumination on the sea beaches resulting from residential/commercial properties and public lighting, among others, discourage female turtles from coming onshore and laying eggs. 

The result: they end up laying eggs at such locations that are unsafe for nesting, reducing the survival chances for their offspring. Also, there are growing instances of turtles depositing their eggs on beaches with predators and, at times, in the ocean itself. 

Further, both grown up and baby turtles mistake the lighting on the seashore as natural moonlight, walking up instead to an urban sprawl. And since locations such as this are far from the turtle habitat, these creatures face the maximum survival risks here. 

So how do LED turtle lamps make a difference? 

As we saw, turtle friendly lighting limits the brightness, so much so that sea turtles are unable to see them. 

To be precise, LED turtle lamps produce mostly amber, red, and orange lights with a wavelength of 590 nanometers and above. That’s because while the lights beyond this wavelength are clearly visible to the human eye, they aren’t visible to the turtles. 

And that’s precisely why all turtle lights on the market, including the non-LED ones, have a long wavelength. 

You see, it is true that turtle lamps, both LED and regular, can’t replace the dark natural environment that is ideal for sea turtles. However, they’re quite effective in preventing the deadly effects of regular lighting materials. 

For instance, LED turtle lamps make sure that turtles are no longer distracted and that they safely get back to the ocean. 

Similarly, since the lights are no longer too bright, turtle lighting fixtures also ensure that nesting turtles land on safe beaches. 

There you have it, the best way to conserve sea turtles while still illuminating exterior spaces. 

But why go for LED turtle lamps over non-LEDs? 

You might wonder why you should go for turtle friendly LED lamps in the first place. After all, regular lights with a long wavelength, like fluorescent turtle tights, are also apt for preserving the turtle habitat. 

The answer to that lies in the cost incurred on lighting. 

You’ll agree when we say that lighting your exterior space isn’t cost-effective. In fact, lighting a home, on average, can cost you up to $150 every year, most of which results from outdoor lights.

That is especially true for traditional lighting materials like fluorescent and incandescent lamps, which are quite energy-intensive. 

Nonetheless, LED lamps are clearly an outlier here as they consume 90 percent less energy than their other lighting counterparts. And that also holds for LED turtle lamps, meaning you’re sure to save big on energy expenses. 

Amazing, right? 

What turtle friendly lighting technologies are approved? 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has clearly set out guidelines for all turtle friendly lighting solutions, including LED and other lamps. 

Among the outdoor lamps that the commission allows are amber and red lights (without a filter) with a wavelength greater than 560 nm. 

Here are some other lighting technologies that the approved for seashores: 

• Low pressure sodium lamps with a power output not exceeding 35 watts. 
• Certain types of neon lamps. 
• Specific custom-coated fluorescent lamps. 

Also, you should be aware that halogen, mercury halide, mercury vapor, incandescent, and some fluorescent lamps aren’t permitted for installation on the coasts. That’s because these lighting materials aren’t capable of producing the required wavelength without filter coating. 

How can you ensure turtle safe lighting on your property? 

Now that you’ve seen how LED turtle lamps ensure efficient and safe-for-turtles lighting, you may ask how best you can install these lights. 

So let’s have a look at some of the best practices for turtle lighting as suggested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. 

#1. Low fixtures work best

As per the commission, lighting fixtures should be installed as low as possible so that the lights aren’t visible to sea turtles from the ocean. However, while mounting the fixtures, you should ensure that the height is appropriate for illuminating the desired area. 

Further, the lighting fixtures on your property should be ideal for retrofitting long wavelength LED turtle lamps. 

#2. Shield the fixtures 

Lighting regulations for beach-front properties call for shielding of the exterior lights, especially for such properties which are close to turtle nesting areas. 

And the best way you can shield your lighting is by installing full cut-off fixtures, as they prevent the upward projection of light. 

But why shielded fixtures? 

Well, unshielded lights projecting upwards may look like moonlight to nesting turtles and their hatchlings, thus making them deviate from their path. And since lighting shields prevent upward projection, all that turtles can see is actual moonlight, thereby moving around safely. 

Some other best practices: 

• You should keep away from the nesting areas of sea turtles as well as from their nests. 
• It’s best to prevent any noise and watch from a far distance in case you come across turtles nesting or their hatchlings. 
• Shield or turn off such lights on your property that are visible from the sea. 
• Upon noticing such holes on the beach that might entrap turtles or turtle hatchlings, you should fill them or inform the sea turtle conservancy. 
• Fireworks on the beach are something that should be avoided as they can scare off and disorient the little turtle hatchlings. 

Wrapping it up 

Did you know that 90 percent of the country’s total sea turtle nestings happen in Florida? 

You see, the state’s climate, as well as its seas, is perfect for a wide variety of sea turtles. So it isn’t surprising that these creatures call it home here. 

However, what is worrying is the fact that, like elsewhere, the turtle population around Florida is also declining fast. 

Thankfully, LED turtle lamps are readily available to curb this decline and create turtle friendly habitats around our beaches. 

Wondering where you can find these turtle safe and energy-efficient lighting solutions? 

You can reach out to us! 

At Eco-$mart Inc, we provide the best-in-class LED turtle lamps to illuminate coastal homes, streets, commercial properties, and more. 

Even better, you can find lighting materials for all your needs under one roof, and that too at the most cost-efficient prices. 

Need to have them shipped to your location? 

Rest easy, as we have got you covered.