Turtle Nesting Season Begins

The annual sea turtle nesting season begins today, March 1st, and will continue until August 31st, in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is reminding members of the public of the importance of preserving sea turtle habitats. Beachgoers are urged to refrain from engaging in activities such as biking, driving vehicles, building sand castles, or mining beach sand, as well as avoiding the use of flambeaus, fires, headlights, or any bright lights along the shoreline. Causing harm to sea turtles, turtle eggs, or hatchlings carry a fine of $100,000 and a two-year jail term and persons are urged to report such cases to the Forestry Division, the Environmental Management Authority, or the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service. All five species of marine turtles visiting Trinidad and Tobago's shores, including the Leather-back turtle, Green Turtle, Logger-head, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill, are protected by law. Permits are required for entry to the main nesting beaches at Fishing Pond, Matura, and Grande Rivière.