Baby Turtles Signal Start Of Turtle Egg-Laying Season

Action CS13

• Follow the egg-laying activities of sea turtles (priority 1)

On March 1, the date when the sea turtle egg-laying season starts, the Réserve Naturelle was called to the beach in Anse Marcel, where the emergence of baby hawkbill turtles had been observed. It was necessary to protect dozens of hatchlings trying to reach the sea in a popular tourist area, without touching them but by answering the questions asked by swimmers who were extremely interested in this incredible activity. This beach is an historic site for egg-laying in Saint Martin and is protected by a ministerial decree, just like the turtles themselves. Construction, nocturnal lights, the use of heavy motorized machinery, and general pollution have caused damage to this essential habitat for the reproduction of these animals that are so emblematic in the waters around the island.

In early April, 30 or so eco-volunteers participated in a preliminary informational meeting on the monitoring of sea turtles. They patrol the beaches regularly and try to count the eventual traces as the turtles climb up the beach, and the presence of nests throughout the egg-laying period, which ends on November 30 for certain species: leatherbacks, hawkbills, and green turtles. The months of August and September are generally the most active. Would you like to serve as an eco-volunteer to help protect the sea turtles? Don’t hesitate to send a message to Aude Berger at reservenat.aude@yahoo.com.