EMA hits leatherback turtle torture

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) says it will be investigating a video of a group of people ill-treating a leatherback turtle. In a release, the EMA said it strongly condemned ill-treatment of a leatherback turtle, an environmentally sensitive species, as shared recently via video post on Facebook.

“The post made by a concerned individual shows a few persons harassing a leatherback turtle attempting to return to sea. The authority is appealing to citizens to refrain from harming environmentally sensitive species such as the turtle featured on the video, and all wildlife in general. It is especially disheartening that after concerted efforts by government and non-governmental entities to sensitise persons against sitting or riding on the carapace of leatherback turtles, this is still happening now.”

In the 39 second video a man is seen pulling the leatherback by its flipper back out of the water, a second man steps on the leatherback’s back while holding a child, and then a third man jumps on its back. The EMA in its release reiterated that under the Environmental Management Act anyone who knowingly harms environmentally sensitive species is liable to a fine of $100,000.00 and imprisonment for two years.

“The EMA will conduct further investigations into this incident with a view to determining the relevant enforcement actions to be taken. The EMA will also collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries on other possible actions to be taken as the leatherback turtle is protected under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.”