A study on the light environment of the South Brevard beaches, which includes the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, and Hatchling orientation index (HOI) quantifies the effects of artificial lighting on hatchling sea-finding ability and foreshadows the future conservation status of nesting female sea turtles as human population and recreation increases in this area.

We also need to define the efficacy of the lighting ordinances by measuring the lighting environment on South Brevard beaches, compliance to the lighting ordinances and potential solutions for beaches with disruptive lighting. Identifying hatchling orientation, determining the light environment on the beaches and educating the public can lead to the reduction of artificial lighting impacts to hatchlings in the South Beaches of Brevard County. Further, results of this study is used to inform conservation managers whether current lighting ordinances are sufficiently protecting sea turtles.