EMA condemns slaughter of endangered turtles

Last Tuesday, fishermen in the area made the discovery while trying to acsertain the cause of an overpowering stench.

When Newsday visited, the heads of the endangered species were seen individually wrapped in plastic bags in a corner of the lagoon.

In a press release on Friday, the EMA said the incident gives rise to serious concern.

“It reminds us of, despite the remarkable work of civil society organisations such as ‘Save our Sea Turtles’, ‘Turtle Village Trust’, and ‘Nature Seekers’ in conjunction with the networking of community volunteers who tirelessly patrol and protect turtle nesting sites across Trinidad and Tobago, ultimately, individual conscience and personal responsibility are the critical success factors to achieve our goal.” The authority said it is regrettable that this environmental crime took place despite the legal protection afforded to the endangered species with the declaration in 2014 of five species as environmentally sensitive species.

“The EMA recognises the tremendous progress made in the fight to protect these endangered creatures with the partnership of civil society, the state and local communities working hand in hand to bring about positive change. The number of recorded poaching incidents has dramatically decreased in recent years and despite this setback, all parties remain committed to achieving the goal of zero slaughter,” it stated.

In the interim, Senior Superintendent of Police Joanne Archie has indicated that while no official report was made to the police, the matter is a criminal offence and will be further investigated.

The fine for endangering any of the environmentally sensitive species is $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.