Why "Warm White" Fails: The Physics of 560nm Turtle-Friendly Lighting
The Science: Sea turtles are phototactic to white/blue light but cannot perceive long-wavelength Amber light (560nm+).
The Law: The Town of Oak Island and Holden Beach have ordinances strictly enforcing lighting rules during nesting season (May-Oct).
The Tech: Using a "bug light" isn't enough; you need certified fixtures that shield the bulb from beach view.
The Risk: Non-compliance can lead to fines and worse, disoriented hatchlings.
If you own a beachfront rental on East Beach Drive or near the Point, you know that "Turtle Season" is serious business. But there is a lot of confusion about what constitutes "Turtle-Friendly Lighting." I often see homeowners installing standard yellow "bug lights" and thinking they are safe. From an engineering perspective, that is a dangerous gamble.
The Nanometer Nuance: Visible light is measured in wavelengths (nanometers). Hatchling sea turtles are instinctively drawn to the bright, short wavelengths of the moon reflecting off the ocean. Standard white LEDs emit a massive amount of "blue" spectrum light, which overrides that instinct and draws hatchlings toward the dunes and roads.
To be truly safe, the light source must be an Amber LED with a wavelength greater than 560 nanometers. This is specific physics. As an engineer, I don't guess at the color; I spec FWC (Florida Fish & Wildlife) Certified fixtures that are proven to be invisible to nesting turtles.
Shielding is Key It’s not just the bulb; it’s the housing. The ordinance requires that the point source of light must not be visible from the beach. WaveRider installs downward-directed, shielded fixtures that illuminate your deck for safety without trespassing light onto the sand. We help you avoid code enforcement fines while protecting the wildlife that makes Oak Island special. Another added benefit is the same wavelength is used for “bug” lights. So you are protecting sea turtles and limiting mosquito and insect attraction at the same time! WaveRider has solutions for all of your indoor, outdoor, and landscape lighting needs.
