There has been a moratorium on the harvesting of sea turtles and their eggs in Anguilla since 1995; it was renewed in 2005 for an additional fifteen years. This means that the moratorium is due for review in December 2020.
When the New Year 2020 begins, the harvesting of sea turtles and/or their eggs will remain an ILLEGAL activity.
After 31st December 2020, if the Government of Anguilla decides not to extend the moratorium or to revise the Fisheries Protection Act and Regulations, the harvesting of sea turtles and their eggs will still be illegal.
Sea turtles, their habitats and foraging grounds are further protected under CITES, the Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation Act and will soon be covered under the non-binding agreement, ‘the North Eastern Caribbean Sea Turtle Recovery Zone Pledge.’
Studies were conducted by the Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Anguilla National Trust and Roehampton University on sea turtles populations, reproduction, biology and migration. The findings will be used to advise the Government of Anguilla review of the moratorium.
The moratorium is needed to give marine turtles an opportunity to rebuild their populations. It is of great importance that the green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles found in the waters of Anguilla are protected so that they may continue to execute their ecological role in assisting with the maintenance of our lovely beaches, and for future generations to be able to see and enjoy them.
For more information please stop by the Department of Fisheries or the Anguilla National Trust. Or send us an email randall.richardson@gov.ai / Kafi.Gumbs@gov.ai / fm.axatrust@gmail.com
– Press Release
