Sea Turtle Conservation a Cooperative Effort for St Kitts

2011-02-11 14:30:36 by

Approximately 70% of Caribbean nations have banned fishing for sea turtles because of their classification as an endangered species. St. Kitts and Nevis still allow fishing for sea turtles, but have implemented regulations, such as tight restrictions during the fishing season.

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts is working with local fishermen to preserve the hawksbill sea turtle found in the St Kitts waters, encouraging local fishermen to reduce the number of turtles they catch and sell.

Dr. Kimberly Stewart, an assistant professor at the veterinary school, has been working with fishermen for a few years emphasizing sustainable use, alternative livelihoods, and conservation.

Stewart and Theophilus Taylor, president of the Sandy Point Fishermen's Cooperative, teach at local schools about the need for sea turtle conservation. Taylor explains why the turtles are important to St. Kitts, encourages the children to observe turtle-friendly recreational activities, and to avoid harming nesting and foraging turtles as well as incubating nests.

Several island institutions and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center provide income for fishermen participating in capturing, tagging, and releasing the turtles. In exchange, they promise not to kill or render captured turtles.

(reesource: AVMA.org)

Photo courtesy of Biologicaldiversity.org.