As coastal communities continue to grow and expand, we must take steps to protect the wildlife that calls these areas home. One issue that’s been gaining attention in recent years is the impact of lighting on sea turtles. These creatures are susceptible to light, and using bright or improperly placed lights can cause significant disruptions to their natural behaviors.

In particular, sea turtles rely on the moon’s and stars’ natural light to navigate as they move from their nesting areas to the water. Bright artificial lighting can throw off their sense of direction, causing them to become disoriented and wander off course. This can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and even death.

We have compiled a list of our favorite “turtle safe” (aka wildlife friendly) luminaires to address these concerns just in time for mating season. Read on!