Ocean City, MD just came in as WJBR listeners #2 beach town in our listening poll of our region of Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland.
With a long 2.45 mile well it boardwalk filled with bright shops, amusement rides and restaurants, it’s a very sunny and bright town, even at night.
However this light pollution can be bothersome to our sea creature friends.
According to Delmarva Now, there have been complaints that additional light pollution from new development could cause sea turtles to avoid their nesting sights on the beach. Ocean City, MD officials have stated they have a code to deal with the light they’ve gotten used to over the past 20 years, but officials believe a new standard is needed, as many taller building have been adding brighter lighting, leading to complaints. Over the next 30 days the planning commission will be preparing a new light ordinance that maybe more favorable to both humans and sea life.
Sea Turtle Conservancy has stated that at one time, sea turtles had no problems finding a dark and quite beach to lay their eggs. However summer tourist season has affected their centuries old nesting grounds. The lighting deters females from nesting and even if the eggs to hatch, survival chances are low for the hatchlings.
Many of the sea turtle species are on the endangered list. Over the next 30 days the planning commission will be preparing a new light ordinance.