(Source: Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire)

 

Several people have noted that more people are fishing for turtles again. Especially at Ascencion in Banda Abou people are catching endangered turtles, slaughtering them and then sell them for consumption.

   Both Reef Care Curaçao as well as Foundation Uniek
   Curaçao are getting reports and complaints about this
   illegal turtle catching. Catching turtles is against the law
   and punishable by a serious fine. This also includes
   taking turtle eggs from nests or harassing turtles. Besides
   this these criminals against environment are trespassing
   on a property that is managed by Foundation Uniek
   Curaçao.

The police has been warned about this serious environmental criminality, after receiving several reports by the Reef Alarm Phone. In spite of their efficient reaction, no one has successfully caught the perpetrator(s). With the collaboration of various organisations tougher and more frequent patrolling will be taking place. In addition the Servisio di Kontrol i Seguridat (SKS) and the public prosecutor’s office will be contacted.

Sea turtles are endangered species and are rare. Ascencion is a unique scenic area were you can watch turtles from land and be sure to see them. Already the employees of Foundation Uniek Curaçao are noticing fewer turtles at Ascencion. This unique tourist attraction is under threat of disappearing.

It is important that everyone who sees or hears something about spearfishing or selling turtles immediately (anonymously) calls the Reef Alarm Phone (569 20 99) or Foundation Uniek Curaçao (462 89 89).

The month of April is the start of the turtle breeding season and Reef Care Curaçao and Foundation Uniek Curaçao are looking for volunteers to participate in a turtle watch group, not just to help impede illegal catch, but also to collect data on possible turtle nests.