Should Tourist Be Better Informed About Turtle Nesting?
News Staff • July 7, 2024
Who is responsible for informing tourist about environment?
You have probably seen the recent social media posts showing people on the beach filming a potential nesting turtle leaving the area. The gawkers were flashing bright lights and were standing too close to the turtle as it scouted the beach for a suitable location to nest.
This is an occurrence where locals and regular beach goers know the rules. We consume media about the nesting rules and see post of turtle nest during the season. But during the busiest week of the year we have thousands of tourist who come from distant cities where the coastal environment is top-of-mind in their news feed.
SO WHO IS TELLING THE TOURIST?
The local Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with the Chamber of Commerce, have done a great job of producing material which explains the rules during nesting season. During the days when people would go to a front desk to check-in for their reservation these items could be included in the welcome package. Now, tourist simply get online and book their condo or home and drive directly to the location. The new door lock codes are texted to their phone and their reservation process is typically digital.
Before we pounce on a group of tourist about not obeying the rules we consider common, we may want to explore better ways of communicating those rules before the come.
In Islamorada, Florida the City has developed a list of regulations for tourist and owners alike. A link to these rules is easily embedded in the digital confirmation of a reservation. Property owners with adjacent nesting area rentals, can download the City Codes and leave them in obvious area for renters to read.
The Alabama coastal region has become known for the turtle nesting season and we take the responsibility serious. Maybe local residents and businesses can assist by developing better ways to communicate to the tourist before their arrival. The list of codes and fine enforcement has worked in other nesting spots, but the visitors deserve to be notified in advance of their trip to the coast. We encourage readers to provide suggestions to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Their organization communicates with the cities, rental companies and tourist.
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