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  Helpful Tips & Knowledge About Alabama's Beaches
  Share the Beach
  Share the Beach was founded by the Alabama Coastal Foundation in 2005 and is Alabama's sea turtle conservation program that works to protect sea turtles and their nests. It follows the US Fish and Wildlife Service's protocols under the endangered species recovery permit. Volunteers patrol the beach, educate the public and school groups, conduct late-night observations, and assist with supply and equipment preparations. These efforts help ensure the protection of sea turtles.
  Leave Only Footprints
  Around fifteen years ago, community leaders realized we had a serious problem. The sea turtles weren’t nesting like they used to and the harmony of our local sea life and wildlife were imbalanced. We were met with a challenge on how to balance beach fun for people with a healthy ecosystem for wildlife. Together, our two communities, area business and concerned citizens organized in 2007 to create a beach sustainability program to protect our valuable natural assets. In 2015, the Beach Litter program was added to further protect the health and safety of the beach, surrounding waters, animals and, of course, beachgoers. Below are the beach rules and regulations established to help protect & maintain Alabama's Beaches.
  Ecotourism in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
  Gulf Shores and Orange Beach remains a beautiful and fun destination for tourists and residents alike as a result of continued sustainability and ecotourism initiatives.