“It was important to NCC members that we try to reach as many people as possible and seek their views on this conservation plan that seeks to protect Cayman’s iconic marine reptile,” said DoE Director and NCC member Gina Ebanks-Petrie. “We will collate all comments received and use those to inform and amend the plan as we go forward.”  

The plan proposes measures such as phasing in mandatory turtle-friendly lighting, marking farmed turtle meat to make it easier to differentiate it from poached meat, and limiting digging and heavy equipment use on beaches where turtles are nesting.

Environment Minister Dwayne Seymour, who had proposed to Cabinet a conservation plan by the Cayman Turtle Centre that would have undermined Cayman’s conservation credibility, appears to now be backing the NCL’s plan and encouraged people to participate in the survey.

“Sea turtles are one of Cayman’s best-known symbols and we should all take an interest in this work to help protect them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DoE is warning people not to disturb breeding and nesting turtles after video captured off Seven Mile Beach last week (see below) showed jet-skiers not only disturbing a mating pair of turtles but actually putting their lives at risk.