Become a Share the Beach Volunteer:
Each year, volunteers take time from May through October to “Share the Beach” with threatened and endangered sea turtles along Alabama’s gulf coast. From searching for nests and assisting in hatchling success to public education and lessons to school groups, these volunteers are making a positive difference for our sea turtles and all of Alabama’s coastal ecosystem.
The volunteer kickoff meetings for our Share the Beach sea turtle conservation program have been set for the 2025 nesting season!
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The meeting for our Baldwin County coastline will take place at 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 18 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center (1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542).
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We are also hosting a kickoff meeting at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 20 in Shelby Auditorium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528).
Anyone interested in becoming a new volunteer must attend one of these meetings and all returning volunteers are encouraged to attend.
Click here to download the 2024 Alabama Sea Turtle Conservation Manual. This manual was developed as a user-friendly guide to assist sea turtle volunteers and to ensure that consistent methods are incorporated into team training sessions across the Alabama Gulf Coast. While this guide does not substitute for training on the beach, it is a resource that both volunteers and team leaders will find useful as a reference. In addition, this manual will be considered U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol that must be followed by all volunteers under the Federal Endangered Species Recovery Permit held by the Alabama Coastal Foundation's Share the Beach program.
There are many ways to help the endangered sea turtles, but the best way is to educate yourself about sea turtles and what you can do to help!
Tips for Being Sea Turtle Friendly:
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Avoid using flashlights or flash photography on the beach at night.
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Turn off outside patio lights and shield indoor lights from shining onto the beach at night.
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Do not disturb sea turtle nests. Sea turtle nesting season is May 1- October 31.
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Keep your distance (at least 30 feet) from adult turtles that come onto the beach to nest.
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Leave sea turtle tracks undisturbed.
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Do not leave beach gear, holes or trash on the beach.
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Volunteer and also participate in the Adopt-A-Nest program.
Alabama Sea Turtle Hotline:
1-866-Sea-Turtle (1-866-732-8878)
Share the Beach Director: Rachael Holdsworth