Journal de La Réserve Naturelle Nationale de St.Martin #37

21 The beaches were closed while the island was in confinement, which means the volunteer team created by the Réserve Naturelle was not able to monitor the egg-laying activities of sea turtles be- tween March 17 th and May 11 st . However, wit- nesses have reported five traces typical of leather- back turtles on the beach in Orient Bay, which has been the most popular egg-laying spot as of March 1st. The nests have been protected with the help of security tape, and the good news about being confined means that tranquility is guaranteed for the nest and the hatching, which in theory max- imizes the chances of success. The Réserve not- ed three egg-laying instances at 11-day intervals, and it is most likely the same leatherback turtle, as they have a tendency to lay their eggs several times in the same place about every eleven days. Action CS 13 Study of sea turtle egg-laying habits Turtles Alone On The Beaches • Réserve Naturelle SAINT MARTIN éserve aturelle I I The Réserve Naturelle has put out a call for eco-volunteers to participate in the scientific study of sea turtles. These volunteers can help out once a week, or even just once per month, ac- cording to their availability, and the Réserve will provide training. The contact person is Aude Bergé, who runs the project, “Take Action For The Sea Turtles Of Saint Martin.” She can be reached at reservenat.aude@yahoo.com . Une tortue luth - A leatherback turtle