For sea turtles, this is their time of year to shine. March marks the beginning of Florida’s sea turtle nesting season, which is when sea turtles swim onto shore to dig nests and lay their eggs in the sand.

Over the years, human activities have changed the survival rates for these animals. Almost all species of sea turtle are classified as endangered because of the slaughtering for their eggs, meat, skin and shells.

Here some ways you can help sea turtles so that their nesting job can go a bit smoother:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that all beachgoers should remember to take beach furniture, boats and canopies off of the sand at night so that these items will not block the sea turtles attempting to nest.

At the end of each beach day, residents and visitors are encouraged to fill any holes that are dug in the sand so that nesting and hatching turtles do not become trapped.

Be careful to not disturb nesting turtles by getting too close to either the nesting mother or hatchlings. Be cautious of baby turtles headed to the water.

Refrain from shining lights on them or taking flash photography.

Throw away all garbage that turtles could consume, which could result in injury or death.

During the season, FWC-authorized marine turtle permit holders and volunteers begin their annual ritual as well. This team walks the beaches each morning to check for “crawls” made by turtles that have nested on the beach the previous night. These “crawls” resemble tire tracks in the sand.

Depending on where you are in Florida, the sea turtle nesting season can vary. On the Atlantic Coast, the season begins in March and on the Gulf Coast, it begins in late spring, April or May. Florida hosts about 90 percent of the loggerhead sea turtle species’ nests within the northern Atlantic population. The state also plays a large role in conversation.

You can help sea turtles by reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline by calling 888-404-FWCC (3922) or emailing Tip@MyFWC.com. To contribute to sea turtle research, rescue and conservation efforts, donations are accepted and Florida license plates are available for purchase.

For information on Florida’s sea turtles, click here.