Wrightsville Beach committee moves to tighten beachfront lighting to protect sea turtles

An ad hoc committee in Wrightsville Beach agreed Jan. 21 to pursue new lighting rules aimed at reducing interference with sea-turtle nesting and hatchling activity, with a recommendation to the Planning Board expected by March. Alderman Vivian "Zeke" Partin, chair of the committee, opened the meeting by setting that March timeline.

Nancy Fahey of the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project reported on the 2025 season and said the town had three nests. Fahey identified specific areas of concern where artificial light may disrupt turtle behavior and told the committee that Trailborn Resort had received a notice of violation under the town's existing lighting ordinance and subsequently modified some outdoor lighting. Fahey also said Mercer’s Pier agreed to adjust its lighting.

The committee decided to invite Matthew Godfrey, identified in the minutes as the state sea-turtle biologist, to meet with the committee and with the Planning Board on Feb. 3 to discuss technical guidance and shape the proposed ordinance language. Committee members Neal Briggi and Jim Smith were assigned to conduct a nighttime lighting survey along the beach strand and to seek assistance from the Police Department for that effort.

Planner Robert O’Quinn and Town Clerk Lance G. Heater were listed among attendees; Heater signed the minutes. The committee set its next meeting for Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Next steps: the committee will complete the lighting survey and meet with the state biologist and Planning Board, after which it expects to deliver a recommended sea-turtle protection section for the town's lighting ordinance by March.