Over 1,000 turtle nest recorded this season
(CNS): The Department of Environment and its team of volunteers have recorded over 1,000 turtle nests on beaches across Grand Cayman this season, the first time since official monitoring began some 25 years ago. With at least 1,003 nests documented and more unrecorded ‘surprise’ nests turning up after they have hatched, the final count for 2023 will mark a milestone for these endangered species.
The predominant species nesting here are the green and loggerhead turtles, with a few hawksbill nests also recorded each year.
Jane Hardwick, a research officer with the DoE, said that passing 1,000 nests was an important moment, but these iconic marine creatures are still struggling against the odds. “Twenty-five years ago, the nesting populations of sea turtles were facing local extinction as there was so little nesting activity, so we are all really thrilled to reach 1,000 nests for the first time since monitoring began,” she said.
“Sea turtles face increased threats from coastal development and climate change, as well as having a naturally low survival rate of around 1 in 1,000 or less. It’s also important to remember that 1,000 nests does not mean 1,000 nesting turtles, as each nesting female lays two to eight nests per season. Because of this, ongoing research and monitoring is critical to ensure that the populations continue to recover and exist in the future,” Hardwick added.
The DoE also reminded beachfront property owners and developers that preserving sea turtle nesting habitat and ensuring it is safe for nesting turtles is crucial to the survival of future populations here. Best practices include installing turtle-friendly lighting so that hatchlings are not misdirected away from the sea, removing beach furniture at the end of the day so that nesting female turtles do not get tangled in them, and preserving natural beachside vegetation, which will encourage nesting and allow the nesting turtles to feel safe when they crawl out of the water and up the beach to nest.
Shaded nests are also more likely to produce more balanced sex ratios of hatchlings because of the cooler sand.
The DoE will be publishing a more detailed analysis of the status of the nesting turtles and their babies in the coming weeks. The department has been looking at the impact of climate change on the species, funded by a Darwin grant from the UK.
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Category: Marine Environment, Science & Nature
And this will affect rich expatriates from developing their beachfront land – won’t it?
Save the turtles – we don’t need anymore expatriate money.
And another massive thumbs up for all the volunteers that help Jane and Lorri! The best!!!
The Cayman Turtle Centre has been a huge success! The DNA of most of these nesting turtles is traced back to the Turtle Centre.
Can it be run more efficiently, yes, but to save a species as we have done, has taken lots of work and removing the consumption pressure from the wild population has really cut down the impact of poaching!
This is a win for all of us Cayman, environment, Caymanians and Tourists.
Where is the proof that the Cayman Turtle Farm has had any significant impact on poaching?
We’re still eating turtle if the turtle farm doesn’t exist.
Not if the consumption of turtle is made illegal as it is in every other country in the world except Cayman!
I wonder how many hatchlings are killed by reckless dog owners who let their dogs roam the beach?
Great news for the National Dish of the Cayman Islands.
Dr. Lori Lamb is a rockstar! Thank you Lori!!!
Talking about beaches….
Thanks to the jerk that left his condom at the cabana at eastend public beach, 7 feet away from a garbage bin.
An advice to the lady involved: find something better, more mature, more educated, not jamaican and not from here.
Massive thumbs up to Jane and the DoE team for all they do for Cayman’s turtles!