Current Media Releases

Peak period for nesting sea turtles

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reminding members of the public to avoid disturbing or harming sea turtles which are nesting along beaches around the island and on the offshore cays.   
Jamaica’s sea turtles nest year round, but the major portion of its population nest during the period, July to November.  Beach goers, resort owners and fisher folk may notice the increased presence of turtles in our waters and on our beaches during this period. Users of nesting beaches are urged not to disturb turtle nests.   In addition, members of the public are encouraged to avoid illuminating beaches at nights, as lights disorient turtles, especially the hatchlings. read more

Crocodiles in their habitats

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has received reports about the presence of crocodiles in a section of the Rio Cobre River that runs adjacent to the communities of Shelter Rock and Thompson Pen in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. The Agency visited the area on 30 December, 2008 to investigate a report of crocodile sightings in the river.  During that visit residents were encouraged to avoid the crocodiles and information was provided about this important protected animal.  In addition, a NEPA technical team along with the Island Special Constabulary Force and members of the community staked out the banks of the river, but no crocodiles were sighted at the time.  NEPA is encouraging residents to avoid all contact with the animals and make every effort to stay away from the river.  read more

NEPA  to Increase Enforcement Actions against Violators of Sewage Standards
 

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), is emphasizing increased enforcement activities against operators of sewage treatment plants who violate standards set by the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, (NRCA). According to Peter Knight, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at NEPA, this is one of several initiatives which it will implement to maximize compliance levels across Jamaica. He made the announcement earlier this week at the Opening Ceremony of the five-day GEF-IWCAM waste water training workshop, at the Rose Hall Resort Hotel, in Montego Bay, St. James.  read more