Artificial lighting on coastal beaches disorienting newly hatched sea turtles, causing them to move inland rather than toward the sea and die from exhaustion, predation, or dehydration before reaching the water.
Hatchlings disoriented by artificial light wander inland where they die from dehydration, overheating, or predation. Each misdirected hatchling represents a preventable death that could be avoided through simple lighting adjustments. The welfare cost falls on the most vulnerable life stage of a species already threatened by multiple pressures. Amber LED lighting solutions are widely available and effective, making lighting ordinances one of the most straightforward welfare and conservation wins available.