Marine Turtle Conservation
The Guianas host a unique combination of sea turtle populations as well as good possibilities to maintain them when effective conservation programs are implemented. In order for conservation to be effective, however, it must be an integral part of the sustainable development of local communities and fisheries and be integrated into sea and coastal protection in general.
Because sea turtles are highly migratory, protecting them requires a regional approach. The WWF Guianas Regional Marine Turtle Program integrates conservation efforts in each of the three Guianas, including research, conservation and management implemented by scientists, government agencies, academia, non-governmental organizations, indigenous communities and fishermen.
It provides a framework for national and regional scientific research and monitoring, conservation and awareness campaigns, and collaboration among local, regional and national entities in marine turtle conservation in the Guianas.
It provides a framework for national and regional scientific research and monitoring, conservation and awareness campaigns, and collaboration among local, regional and national entities in marine turtle conservation in the Guianas.
Currently, in all three Guianas, WWF is providing financial and technical assistance to national institutions and NGOs for marine turtle conservation. This support also covers the development of the physical infrastructures necessary for the monitoring, research and direct conservation activities.
The two biggest threats to marine turtles in the Guianas are the poaching of eggs and nesting females, and incidental bi-catch from near and off-shore fisheries. The turtle conservation program is therefore focused on
- Strengthening national laws to support turtle conservation
- Monitoring nesting activities on index beaches to assess current trends in nesting populations, and predation impacts on females and hatchlings
- Prevention of illegal egg collections and turtle slaughters on the beaches
- Supporting the implementation of turtle-friendly devices such as "TEDs" to reduce incidental capture at sea
- Awareness and education, to garner public support for national and regional conservation actions.
Marine Turtle Conservation.