Ocean Isle Beach installs amber lighting to protect nesting sea turtles
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC — Ocean Isle Beach has completed installation of new turtle‑friendly lighting along several oceanfront access points as part of an ongoing effort to reduce disorientation among nesting sea turtles and emerging hatchlings.
The town replaced older, bright white fixtures with low‑intensity amber lights designed to limit the amount of artificial light visible from the beach.
According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, amber‑spectrum lighting is significantly less disruptive to sea turtles, which are sensitive to blue and white wavelengths commonly produced by standard LEDs.
The upgrades were installed at multiple public beach access walkovers, town‑managed oceanfront poles, and select parking‑area fixtures near dune lines. These locations were prioritized because they sit closest to active nesting zones monitored throughout the season.
Ocean Isle Beach officials said the project aligns with state and federal coastal lighting guidelines intended to reduce hatchling mortality. Bright beachfront lighting can draw turtles inland, increasing the risk of dehydration, predation, or roadway encounters. The new fixtures are intended to maintain adequate visibility for residents and visitors while minimizing impacts on wildlife.
The town continues to work with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and local volunteer turtle‑monitoring groups to ensure compliance during the May though October nesting season. Visitors are encouraged to avoid using bright flashlights, phone lights, or porch lights facing the beach, especially at night.
Coastal Carolina News is the updated branding for bcdollarsaver.com.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved
Be the first to comment