Above: a sea turtle (Sea Turtle Conservancy)
By the Caribbean Journal staff
Trinidad’s government says it is making “every effort” to protect endangered nesting sea turtles in the country’s waters.
Trinidad and Tobago supports one of the largest populations of nesting leatherback sea turtles in the world, with nesting season officially beginning this month, according to Environment Minister Ganga Singh.
“The conservator has been mandated to plan and implement a programme for increased turtle protection during the nesting season,” he said. “In addition, close collaboration between the Turtle Trust and the ministry for greater community engagement and enforcement is ongoing.”
Trinidad’s sea turtle population suffered a serious blow last year due to a river redirecting project that led to the deaths of more than 20,000 turtles and turtle eggs.
The leatherback is a critically endangered species.
Singh said Trinidad has “local stewardship for a global asset and every effort will be made to enhance the protection of the turtles.”
The Wildlife Division of Trinidad’s Environment Ministry has the responsibility for turtles in the country.