TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The first loggerhead sea turtle nest was spotted at Anna Maria Island over the weekend.

The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch said it has been patrolling the beach since April 15 to ensure that any early nests are found.

“We are excited to see that sea turtle nesting has begun on Anna Maria Island and look forward to a productive season,” said AMITW director Kristen Mazzarella.

Sea turtle nesting season officially started on May 1.

AMITW said residents and visitors should be aware of these tips to help ensure a successful nesting season:

Do:
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach and close drapes after dark.
• Remove all beach furniture and toys from the beach at night.
• Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles that may impede hatchlings on their way to the water.
• Respect posted areas. Keep away from nesting and resting areas and use designated walkways.
• Place trash in its proper place and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beaches. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and turtles.
• Keep your distance. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close! A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet away from a shorebird nest.
• Keep pets away from nesting areas. Even well-behaved pets can be perceived as a threat. Keep cats indoors.
• If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance.
• Call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC at 888-404-3922 if you find a turtle (adult or hatchling) in distress.
• Spread the word! If you see people disturbing nesting birds, sea turtles, or nest sites, gently remind them how their actions may hurt the animals’ survival. If they continue to disturb, please call and report their activities to FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Do not:
• Use flashlights, cellphones, flash photography or fishing lamps on the beach.
• Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged.
• Use fireworks on the beach.
• Approach nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
• Intentionally force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need to reserve for nesting and migration.