|
The National Environment and
Planning Agency (NEPA) wishes to remind the public that disturbing
or harming sea turtles which are nesting along beaches around the
island and on the offshore cays, is against the law.
NEPA has received several
reports of illegal harvesting of sea turtles and eggs, both of which
are punishable under law. All sea turtles are protected under the
Wild Life Protection Act, 1945 and the Endangered Species
(Protection Conservation and Regulation of Trade) Act, 2000. IT IS
AN OFFENCE TO HAVE SEA TURTLES IN ONE’S POSSESSION, WHETHER WHOLE OR
PART, DEAD OR ALIVE. This includes adult turtles; hatchlings,
shells, meat, eggs and all other turtle derived products (e.g.
turtle shell craft items or jewellery). Persons found in possession
of turtles or any of these items can be fined up to JA$100,000 or
imprisoned for up to one year.
Globally, Sea turtles are also
protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); a multilateral treaty of
which Jamaica and approximately 170 other countries are parties.
Jamaica’s sea turtles nest
yearly, however a major portion of its population nest during the
period, July to November each year. Turtles and their young are
particularly vulnerable during this period and special care must be
taken not to disturb them when they come ashore. Members of the
public are also urged to avoid illuminating beaches at nights, as
lights disorient both adults and hatchlings.
The public is also being asked
to report all sightings of sea turtles (on land, at nesting beaches
or at sea), their nest locations, eggs and hatchlings and any
incidents of poaching of adults or their eggs.
The survival of sea turtles in
Jamaica and globally is threatened by killing of nesting females and
the taking of their eggs. They need to be protected, if future
generations are to see them.
Persons who wish to report
sightings may contact the toll-free line for the National
Environment and Planning Agency, weekdays, 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.,
(1-888-991-5005). Offences must be reported promptly to the nearest
police station.
|
