Light pollution has become a problem for sea turtle hatchlings along developed coasts. Hatchlings have a natural instinct to move toward the brightest direction, which on a naturally lit beach is the night sky over the ocean. However, the artificial light found on developed coastlines disorients sea turtle hatchlings and, as a result, they head toward that light rather than the ocean. According to an article on conserveturtles.org, only one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survive to maturity. Therefore, changing artificial lighting practices on beaches would help the sea turtle population. Implementing and enforcing artificial lighting ordinances for coastal property owners would be a solution to the effects of light pollution on sea turtle hatchlings. The coasts of Florida are home to several species of sea turtles, including the loggerhead sea turtle. In fact, 90% of loggerheads nest in Florida, with the majority on the east coast. (“Loggerhead nesting in Florida.”) In 2013, 24,630 loggerhead nests were reported in Brevard County as part of the State of Florida Beach Survey Program. When looking at a map of the United States showing light pollution, Brevard County always shows dark areas. This may influence loggerhead turtle nesting. Light pollution is the introduction of artificial light, directly or indirectly, into the environment. (“Light Pollution”) Nesting females are affected by this when choosing a nesting site, they cannot leave the ocean to lay their eggs on the shore. If they leave the ocean, artificial light may prevent them from finding a suitable nesting site, causing females to abandon and lay their eggs in the ocean, if at all. The ...... middle of document ...... so far to help reduce the problem of light pollution. Works Cited “Are Sea Turtles Worth Saving?” Conservation of marine turtles Bonaire. NP, 2010. Web. April 25, 2014. “Sea Turtle Information: Threats to Sea Turtles.” » Conservation of sea turtles. Np, ndWeb. April 24, 2014. Léopold, Aldo. "Conservation." Round River; from the Journals of Aldo Leopold. New York: Oxford UP, 1953. 145-46. Print."Light pollution." NPS: Explore Nature » Night Sky. Np, and Web. April 25, 2014. “Loggerhead Nesting in Florida.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. NP, 2013. Web. April 25. 2014..