Push grows to crack down on nighttime fishing during sea turtle season on Marco Island

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. —

It started with shark fishing, but now the debate is much bigger, and it could change what you’re allowed to do on Marco Island beaches at night.

In a 4–2 vote Monday night, council members approved the first reading of a new ordinance that would ban fishing on the beach overnight during sea turtle nesting season, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. between May 1 and Oct. 31.

The proposal also requires permits for groups of 10 or more on the beach at night and calls for lights to be turned off by 9 p.m. to keep beaches dark.

City leaders say the goal is simple: protect sea turtles.

“The key to all of this is to keep our beaches dark and quiet,” said Marco Island City Councilwoman Bonita Schwan. "Many municipalities have this already in place across Florida. In addition, some of them have a longer period."

Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1, and experts say artificial light, noise and activity on the beach at night can disorient turtles and hatchlings. Only a small fraction of hatchlings survive to adulthood, making those early moments critical.

But what started as concerns over shark fishing drawing crowds to the beach has grown into a broader conversation, and not everyone agrees with the approach.

Ryan Garry, a Marco Island native, charter captain and Florida master naturalist, says the rules go too far.

“Fishing has been here longer than I have, and why all of a sudden are we trying to ban it?” Garry said.

Garry argues that fishing itself doesn’t interfere with sea turtles, and says there hasn't been any incidents to trigger the amendment council is considering.

"Turtles make their nests very far away from the shoreline," said Garry. "About twenty to sixty feet away from the shoreline. The sea turtles are going to stay protected anyway. The fishing guides are very respectful with the sea turtles."

He also says the ordinance could impact more than just anglers, but other groups that enjoy the beach during early hours.

“It affects the yoga instructors, and then through the Marriott, they do a meditation group,” he said.

Others in the community, however, say the growing crowds, noise and late-night activity tied to shark fishing have become a concern. Some support tighter rules to protect wildlife, while others oppose shark fishing altogether or worry about safety on crowded beaches after dark.

The ordinance still needs a second and final vote before it can take effect. That vote is expected at the next city council meeting on May 4, where the public will have another chance to weigh in.

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