Kittivisian Life

St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN)

Hawksbill Sea Turtle being rescued from Salt Pond

Two fishermen had originally reported this incident to Reggae Beach Bar owner, Gary Pereira, as they were interested in selling the turtle to the bar. Mr. Pereira explained the importance of the female to the overall sea turtle population and ecosystem and that she should be tagged and released. The fishermen agreed to assist in her rescue and release.

Members of the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN) arrived on the scene with the group at 12:30pm to find that the turtle was no longer in the vicinity. Upon careful examination of the adjacent beach, they found her track and nest from the night before. Her exit crawl, rather than leading back to the ocean, lead directly into the salt pond. Volunteers circled the pond carefully examining the water.

Female Hawksbill Sea Turtle Rescued from Major’s Bay Salt Pond by SKSTMN Members and Local Citizens

The turtle was located at 1:30pm in the salt pond as she surfaced for air at which time she swam directly up to rescuers. Members of the SKSTMN and local citizens were able to hoist her out of the pond and onto shore. A physical exam was performed, measurements and a blood sample were taken, and the turtle was tagged and released.

The observation of a hawksbill sea turtle nesting in St. Kitts is rare, as the island only supports around 50 nesting events for this turtle species each year. Hawksbill sea turtles are classified globally as Critically Endangered because scientists have determined that their populations have been reduced by more than 80% over the last century.

In St. Kitts these animals face a range of threats including consumption in the open harvest, nest depredation, and severe damage to their nesting habitat as a result of development. Hawksbills prefer to nest under beach vegetation such as sea grapes and manchineel trees. Unfortunately with the current development of the peninsula these habitats are being significantly altered and fewer areas are suitable for nesting activity.

Hawksbill Turtle nesting habitat

Only 1 in 1,000 hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings will survive to adulthood, and the females that survive will not return to nest on our shores until they are 20 to 40 years of age. Disturbing one of these ancient creatures during nesting carries a fine of 5,000 EC and potential jail time.

Sea turtles are attracting more and more tourists to our island. Protecting these species and the environment now will contribute to our eco-tourism and economical development. Countries throughout the Caribbean region are finding that sea turtles are worth a great deal more money alive, than dead. In addition, hawksbill sea turtles feed on sea sponges – they are “keystone species” in the marine environment, carefully maintaining coral reef ecosystems. A healthy marine ecosystem provides an array of opportunities for prospective tourist-based businesses, including fishing, diving, and snorkeling. In contrast, if our natural resources are left unprotected or over-utilized, the marine ecosystem will collapse, leaving little to no opportunity for tourism, employment, or subsistence fishing.

Please report any sea turtle activity to the Sea Turtle Hotline at 764-6664. An SKSTMN volunteer will be available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on the SKSTMN and sea turtle species found in St. Kitts please visit www.stkittsturtles.com.

All photos taken by Troye Myers. All rights reserved.