SEA TURTLE SURVIVAL
SOLUTIONS YOU CAN IMPLEMENT . . . EVEN ON CULEBRA
THREAT: The National Marine Fisheries
Service
Karumbé Photos, 2002
Commercial trawler disposing a leatherback.
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Karumbé Photos, 2002
Baby green sea turtle taken by fishing trash.
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estimates that the U.S. offshore commercial shrimp fleet currently
takes
over 640 adult leatherbacks annually.
SOLUTION:
Help promote Turtle-Safe ® Shrimp. For more information
on this campaign please visit: www.seaturtle.org.
THREAT: Lighting from shoreline
developments disorients turtle hatchlings with deadly consequence.
SOLUTION: Support local efforts
conserve areas adjacent to critical nesting beaches. Light shields are
available for house and street lamps. Shields not only protect hatchlings,
but also protects our ability to enjoy Culebra's spectacular night sky
and bioluminescent waters. For more information on light shielding resources
please visit: www.darksky.org.
THREAT: Plastic bags, balloons
and fishing trash choke, entangle and drown sea turtles.
SOLUTION: Always dispose of trash
properly. Please don't release helium balloons. Fishing nets and line
should be cut into small pieces before disposal. When you volunteer
to help with a local beach clean up, you could be saving the life of
a turtle.
Photo by Chris Johnson 2002
www.floridaleatherbacks.com
X-Ray of fishhook swallowed by juvenile sea
turtle.
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THREAT: People are poaching sea
turtles on Culebra.
SOLUTION: Sea turtles have become
symbolic of Culebra's natural heritage. Let people know that these illegal
practices threaten the patrimony of the Culebrenses as much as they
threaten the future of the species. Don´t purchase turtle related
products such as shells, meat, oil, or eggs. Report all poaching to
787-724-5700, there is a reward for information that leads to a conviction.
Culebra kids disappointed to find bloody juvenile
hawksbill shell.
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THREAT: Although it's biodegradable,
food left on the beach supports ant colonies that attack emerging hatchlings.
SOLUTION: Please do not leave or
bury food on the beach.
THREAT: Many animals associated
Photo by Zoe Bass
Red ants devouring hatchling.
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with human populations pose a threat to turtle nests on Culebra, including
dogs, cats, cattle and horses.
SOLUTION: Keep all livestock off
turtle nesting beaches. Digging dogs should be kept away from these
beaches throughout nesting season.
Neutering pets is the only way to help reduce hungry stray animals that
pose a threat to many species of protected wildlife. Talk with the Veterinarian
who visits on the second Wednesday of every month across from Joe Ice
near Ferriteria Minimas.
Photo by Matthew Godfrey
Loggerhead taken by boat collision.
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THREAT: Leatherbacks and other
turtles are vulnerable to boat collisions and strikes in shallow waters.
SOLUTION: Please boat slowly and
responsibly in Culebra´s coastal waters.
THREAT: Campfires on nesting beaches
have incinerated turtle nests.
SOLUTION: Please, no campfires on
nesting beaches.
Photo by Abbie White
Turtles incinerated at Zoni Beach.
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THREAT: The use of off road vehicles
on turtle nesting beaches reduces hatchling success.
SOLUTION: Please do not drive on
turtle nesting beaches.
THREAT: Sea turtle conservation
projects are work- intensive and under-funded.
SOLUTION: VOLUNTEER to HELP:
1-877-772-6725
For a printable see Project Information.
CORALations
Home | About CORALations
| About Coral Reefs | Ocean
Conservation Youth Corps
Sea Turtles | Coral
Reef Restoration
CORALations, Inc.
P.O. Box 750
Culebra, PR 00775
787-556-6234/Fax 530-618-4605
1-877-77-CORAL 1-877-77(2-6725)
info@coralations.org
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