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Lighting Resources

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute produces a Technical Report titled "Understanding, Assessing, and Resolving Light-Pollution Problems on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches" written by Blair Witherington and Erik Martin. This Technical Report provides background information on sea turtles and lights and discusses many solutions to lighting problems.

The Coastal Roadway Lighting Manual (762KB) was prepared by Ecological Associates, Inc. for the Florida Power and Light Company. It provides solutions for lighting on coastal roadways.

The following links lead to lighting manufacturers that produce some sea turtle friendly fixtures. Please be aware that although some of their lighting fixtures may be usable near sea turtle nesting beaches, not all of their fixtures are. Before installing any lights near a sea turtle nesting beach, local and state authorities should be contacted to provide guidance and also to gain information for necessary permits and lighting reviews.

For an example of what one county is doing to help control the light problem, try the Collier County web page.

The Florida Power and Light web site has information about sea turtles and lights.

Light pollution isn't just a problem for sea turtles, many astronomers are also trying to control light pollution all over the world so they can get a good view of the night sky. Many of the light applications they support can be used near turtle beaches as well.

	http://www.starrynightlights.com/
	http://www.darksky.org/fixtures/fixtures.html
	Migratory birds also have problems with light pollution. Information about this subject can be found at the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) web site.
	The Wildlife Lighting Certification Program is a cooperative effort between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designed to educate the members of the public, the building industry, and government officials how to minimize adverse impacts to wildlife by using proper lighting methods. The program identifies lighting fixtures, shields, and lamps that are appropriate for use in areas where wildlife is affected by light pollution.

The US National Park Service also has concerns about light pollution. Their web site has an executive summary regarding the Vanishing Night Skies at http://nature.nps.gov/YearInReview/yir2001/05_risks/05_1_duriscoe.html

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