Sea Turtle Regulations Could Spell Opportunity for Georgia Dealers

The Jekyll Island State Park Authority (JIA) in Georgia recently announced its intentions to set greater restrictions on lights near natural beaches in order to protect sea turtles. (See related article on page 18 of Window Film’s May-June issue) This move could result in new opportunities for area window film dealers, as the ordinance requires window film to be installed on all windows and glass doors within line-of-sight of the beach.  Furthermore, if the ordinance is approved for the state-owned island, according to JIA, it will likely be the model for beach lighting ordinances for all of Georgia’s coastal communities.

Artificial lighting is defined as the light that emanates from any man-made device. If approved, illumination of certain beaches will be prohibited at nighttime during the sea turtle nesting season for the protection of the nesting females and hatchling sea turtles making their way into the sea. Oftentimes, hatchlings will confuse artificial lighting with the reflection of the moon, which they use as a marker to get to the ocean once they hatch. The resulting confusion often spells death for these tiny newborn creatures. The new ordinance, which strictly defines what will and will not be allowed on and near the beach, will be regulated and enforced by the JIA. (See related article on page 18 of Window Film’s May-June issue)

“Jekyll Island is well-known for its conservation efforts, especially through the work of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center,” says Ben Porter, chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. According to JIA, the new ordinance was developed in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources with vital input from the experts at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

“We were pleased to see the Jekyll Island Authority take the lead in placing these restrictions into an enforceable ordinance,” says Noel Holcomb, commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. “As chairman of the Shore Protection Committee, I will promote the standards within this ordinance to the Shore Protection Committee as we consider beachfront projects for permitting under the Shore Protection Act.”

The “first reading” of any new ordinance must be posted for public review. To read the proposed ordinance language, visit the authority’s web site at: www.jekyllislandauthority.org. The JIA is expected to adopt the new ordinance at its regular meeting in August.