Protect Sea Turtles from Speeding Vehicles in Texas

URGENT! Click here for the new action alert demanding Congress stop proposed budget cuts to the Padre Island National Seashore's efforts to protect sea turtles by lowering speed limits on nesting beaches.

Thousands of letters were sent to the National Park Service supporting sea turtles before the July 25th deadline. Thank you for taking action! Add your name below and help this movement grow!

The National Park Service has proposed a speed limit reduction from 25 mph to 15 mph on Texas sea turtle nesting beaches, a move we support that can save the lives of adult and hatchling sea turtles. Extensive research and public opinion surveys found that vehicles on Texas park beaches should not exceed 15 mph in summer for the safety of sea turtles.

Speeding vehicles are one of the many deadly threats faced by endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Drivers of vehicles have a tough time seeing nesting sea turtles and an even tougher time spotting baby hatchlings on the beaches.

Summer Speeding Can Kill Nesting Sea Turtles

The highest density of nesting Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in the U.S. is at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas. The summer months are when nesting females arrive at beaches and when baby hatchlings emerge and scuttle to the ocean. The needs for increased vehicle safety and decreased beach speed limits are greatest during the summer when the beaches are croweded with thousands of tourists. Click here to download the entire Environmental Assessment.

Take action below before July 25 to send a letter of support to reduce the speed limit of vehicles on beaches during sea turtle nesting season!