Protecting Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach has a plethora of creatures that call its beaches home – from birds and crustaceans to turtles and other wildlife. While it may seem pretty lifeless as you look out across the white sand, many small creatures make their homes under the sand, such as coquina clams, ghost crabs, mole crabs, and other invertebrates.

Turtles have been known to nest on the shore of Pensacola Beach, and lay their eggs under the cover of darkness before once again returning to the ocean. However, it’s not always as sweet as it sounds. Turtles have been blocked by umbrellas and chairs, have gotten tangled in fishing lines, and can even be disoriented by lights. Because the turtles tend to nest during the night, do your best to keep the beach clear of any debris in the evenings.

Pensacola Beach is a beautiful place – for both humans and animals. Because animals call this place home, it’s essential to protect it, so we can continue sharing it in harmony. Remember to throw away any trash and don’t feed the birds or any other wildlife.

What are some other ways we can protect the beach?

• Throw away garbage in the public trash containers along the beach or take it home with you to throw it away.
• Take part in local beach cleanups.
• Don’t disturb the local plants and wildlife – this is their home!
• Rather than walking across the sensitive dunes, use walkovers to reduce erosion.
• Cut the rings off plastic six-pack holders so that animals like fish, seals, and turtles can’t get tangled in them.
• Make sure you dispose of any boat sewage in onshore sanitary facilities rather than dumping it into the water.

How can I protect the beach from home?

• Don’t leave any trash on the ground because it can be carried to the beach by runoff – throw it in proper containers.
• If you have one, make sure you regularly maintain your septic system.
• Use as little fertilizers and pesticides as possible. If you can, use natural substances (like compost) to fertilize your lawn and garden.
• Recycle your motor oil at your local service shop.

Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail

Along this Pensacola Beach trail, you’ll learn lots of information about local flora and fauna – including sharks, dolphins, birds, fish, flowers, and so much more. Signs have been posted up at key locations throughout the beach, and each one explores a different environmental topic.

Pensacola Beach has beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, which are shared by both humans and wildlife. While it’s essential to protect and maintain this natural beauty, it’s also important to enjoy it! If you’re looking for a way to spend the day with family or friends, come fishing with me at Rock Bottom Charters! Rock Bottom Charters is located in Pensacola, Florida, but we also fish in Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and the surrounding areas.

Image From © Hans Hillewaert