Some places have been converted to local or national refuges, such as the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. But more needs to be done to buy critical parcels of beach-front land before they become developed. Beach nourishment should be more closely regulated, first making sure that such activities are not conducted during the nesting season. The sand used to replenish the beach should closely match the original sand at that location. If done properly, beach nourishment can actually benefit nesting sea turtles.
Hatchlings emerging from the sand at night immediately head towards the brightest direction.
Under natural conditions, the brightest direction is towards the ocean, where the water is lit by the reflection of the stars and sometimes the moon. Bright lights from beach communities can outshine the natural brightness of ocean waters, luring hatchlings away from the water, and to their death by predation and dessication. In Florida, some beach communities have passed laws against bright beach-front lighting, to protect sea turtle hatchlings. There are many human-induced threats facing sea turtles. And because these are far-ranging creatures, conservation steps need to be taken wherever sea turtles are found.