Hay Bales Become Unexpected Heroes for Sea Turtles on Bradenton Beach
Visitors to Bradenton Beach may have noticed a new feature along the shoreline: rows of hay bales lining key access points and dune areas. While they may look out of place, these simple straw barriers are playing a crucial role in sea turtle conservation during the peak nesting season, which runs from May to October.
Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department placed the hay bales as a temporary solution to a lasting problem. Last year’s storms significantly eroded sand dunes and wiped out much of the natural vegetation, such as sea oats, that typically guides and protects nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.
Without these natural cues and barriers, adult turtles coming ashore can become confused, and vulnerable hatchlings may stray inland toward hazardous areas, such as roadways or rocky revetments, instead of making their way safely to the ocean.
To prevent these misdirections, the strategically placed hay bales act as soft physical guides, encouraging turtles to stay on track. They also provide a small measure of shielding from artificial lights—another major threat to sea turtles, especially for disoriented hatchlings.
One key installation can be seen at the Bridge Street beach access, where the loss of dunes was particularly severe. While not a permanent solution, the hay bales serve as a vital stopgap as local ecosystems recover.
Beachgoers are encouraged to support the effort by respecting the barriers, avoiding disturbance of marked turtle nests, and turning off or shielding lights visible from the shore. Officials also remind visitors to remove beach furniture, fill in any holes, and dispose of trash—actions that can help reduce hazards to turtles.
As Bradenton Beach works to protect its nesting sea turtle population, the community is being called on to do its part. Together, these efforts aim to ensure a successful and safe nesting season for one of the Gulf Coast’s most iconic marine species.
