Measures in place to protect marine turtles in Tobago

This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat who told the House of Representatives on Wednesday that increased protection of turtles will include joint patrols between officers of the Environmental Police Unit attached to the Environmental Management Authority together along with officers of the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, and the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry of the THA.

Other measures, Rambharat said, will include production and installation of signage on all turtle nesting beaches outlining the laws and penalties regarding conservation, and slaughter of the endangered turtle species.

Meeting with fisherfolks whose life may be impacted, as turtles are usually caught as by-catch in their fishing nets are also planned.

He said that an education and media awareness programme will be put in place.

The THA, he said, is also looking at hot spots and concentrating on specific areas, especially around harvest festivals.