THE PUBLIC IS ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN A BRIEF ONLINE SURVEY TO ASSIST WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES.

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) continues to engage stakeholders to better manage and protect marine resources. As part of this process there is need to review the Sea Turtle Fishery regulations and conditions.

The current regulation allows: Open fishery period from October 1 - December 31, Closed period from January 1 - September 30, weight limits, gear restrictions, protection of eggs and nesting turtles.

Despite these legislated conditions poachers and fishers continue to illegally harvest sea turtles. Some concerns include: capturing of nesting turtles, Use/sale of turtle eggs, slaughtering of turtles in open public areas and concerns regarding prohibited practices; whilst the demand for sea turtle meat encourages widespread consumption and sale at popular locations island-wide.

Also important to highlight, some species of turtles are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species.

At this juncture, the DOF kindly solicits your feedback, input and observations as we aim to strengthen and protect this valuable resource via a brief survey.

The survey can be accessed via: https://moaslu.govt.lc/sea-turtle-fishery-survey