It was first suspected in the late 1970’s – early 1980’s in the village of Kinsale, but for the first time Leatherback Turtle hatchlings have been sighted on Montserrat.
Environmentalist and owner of Scriber Adventure Tours, James Scriber Daley found the hatchlings on Woodlands beach on Thursday July 24. He is amazed by the discovery.
According to Daley, there are no previous documented records of Leatherback Turtles on Montserrat.
He points out that the common turtles on Montserrat are the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle.However, as ‘Scriber’ explains there were indications which suggest the presence of the leatherback turtles, but they were not confirmed, until now.
Daley is repeating the annual appeal to all persons to protect the turtles and desist from snatching eggs, removing turtles or letting their dog loose on the beaches.
James ‘Scriber’ Daley also reminded the public that persons caught taking turtles and or their eggs during turtle season from June 1 to October 31 commit an offence and are liable to be so charged.
Leatherback Turtles have been sighted on Montserrat for the first time.The hatchlings were found on Woodlands beach on Thursday July 24.
He spoke with ZJB news recently and said that there are no previous documented records of Leatherback Turtles on Montserrat.
He also pointed out that the common turtles on Montserrat are the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle.
However, as ‘Scriber’ explained that there were indications which suggest the presence of the leatherback turtles, but they were not confirmed, until now.
He took the opportunity to remind the public that persons caught taking turtles and or their eggs during turtle season from June 1 to October 31 can be charged with an offence.
In the meantime, environmentalist John Jeffers, MBE has added his voice to calls for the protection of the islands turtles. Mr. Jeffers, who has been monitoring turtles on the island for many years, says the discovery of leatherback turtle hatchlings on Montserrat is confirmation that they are actually nesting on Montserrat.
Noting how the turtles are critical to tourism, Mr. Jeffers highlighted the benefits to the tourism sector and during the interview reminded persons that it is an offence to dump garbage on the beaches. Plastics and other debris he says can trap and kill turtles and other marine life.
