The Race To Ensure The Future Of Sea Turtles On Ambergris Caye
In the past, long before development overwhelmed Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, sea turtles were a frequent occurrence throughout the entire island. However, due to recent development, the turtles are leaving their former nesting sites and using only the most distant areas of the island to lay their eggs. Both Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas are the most common island visitors, along with the occasional Eretmochelys imbricata. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve has been keeping close tabs on the sea turtles that arrive at Ambergris Caye and have partnered with marine biologists to ensure the future of the turtles that visit the island each year. Not only has development been extremely detrimental to the nesting sea turtles, but littering has caused a major decline in the population of the area. The concern that in the near future sea turtles may not return to the island is a true reality as their nesting areas continue to be disturbed in an unsustainable manner. Conservationists are appealing to beach-goers to be aware of the sea turtles that may be in the area and to refrain for leaving trash or disturbing their nesting areas. Sea turtles are protected in Belize and as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve continues to watch over the first nests of the season, they hope that their hard work will pay off with a rebound in the island’s nesting sea turtle population.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Concern over deceased sea turtles in Florida
USA: Propellers continue to cause fatal accidents
USA: University of Florida hosts sea turtle workshop
USA: Providing tools to residents to help protect native turtles
USA: Second recorded nesting ever on Destin shores
Health & Medical
India: Stomach virus ravaging sea turtles at Taraporevala aquarium
Miscellany
USA: Store mascot is well loved
USA: Massive Macrochelys temminckii accidentally caught, then released
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Photo from Sanpedrosun.
