Turtle patrols to be allowed on beaches at night

Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis has said turtle patrols and conservationists will now be permitted to visit beaches after 6 pm for patrols and data collection.

She described the move as a win for sea turtles and the communities promoting their conservation.

In a release, Robinson-Regis said Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh would issue the exemption by letter allowing selected individuals on Trinidad and Tobago’s beaches after 6 pm for turtle patrols and data collection only.

She said his decision to amend the Public Health Ordinance Regulations to exempt turtle patrols came as a result of a discussion between Deyalsingh and the recently appointed Sea Turtle Task Force, chaired by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

She said the task force proposed a system involving the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, the police and local communities, where people will be selected, listed and endorsed by the Forestry Division. The police will have this list and monitor sea turtle sites and other beaches to ensure only authorised individuals and groups are doing turtle patrol and research activities after 6 pm.

The communities with high numbers of visits bysea turtles have also committed to increase their vigilance to support the authorities.

EMA and Sea Turtle Task Force chair Nadra Nathai Gyan said the task force and the wider sea turtle conservation community are elated at the decision, and is calling for compliance with the new amendments by the national community.

She said, “We at the EMA are committed to working with the communities, researchers and government agencies to ensure that there is compliance and that Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation as a bastion of turtle conservation is maintained.”

Nature Seekers chairman Kyle Mitchell said the organisation was happy the exemption had been granted and was looking forward to getting back into the field.