Local support for the sea turtles on Bonaire is increasing

July 16, 2001 KRALENDIJK - Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) has witnessed an increase in awareness amongst the local Bonairean people for sea turtles. These animals are not only threatened on Bonaire, but worldwide. More and more often STCB receives reports from local people concerning caught or found sea turtles. On Thursday last week, the organization received a report from a local fisherman that a sea turtle was caught in a fishing line and the two former reports about the illegal capture and slaughter of sea turtles, were also done by local people.

On Thursday, July 12th, STCB received a report from a local fisherman that accidentally caught a green turtle with a fishing line. After examination of the animal, it appeared to concern two hooks that got stuck in the sea turtle. One was stuck in the flipper and was easily removed. The second hook got stuck deep in the throat and had to be removed by vet Hans Lambeek, while the turtle was anaesthetized. This was a very unusual job for Lambeek, who conducted his duty free of charge. Part of the hook was stuck too deep to be removed. This green turtle will most likely not experience any annoying consequences from the rest of the hook. The vet was convinced that the turtle was capable of breathing and feeding as usual. After the sea turtle regained consciousness, it was placed on the beach near the sea. In no time he crawled towards the sea and disappeared.

STCB is very thankful to the local fisherman who didn't just throw the sea turtle back into the sea. The chances for survival would have been less.
It is known that sea turtles also eat the bait from a fishing line. STCB requests everyone that accidentally catches a sea turtle on his line, to examine the sea turtles beak first before releasing it again. If problems, such as hooks deep in the throat or severe injuries are found, please contact STCB (717-5074) or Bonaire National Marine Park (717-8444).

Good news, Linda. Thanks for passing it on. Education does work!

I also read a story on CNN today, about the decimation of the Green Turtles off South America. Most of the loss due to loss of beaches to lay eggs. When will we ever learn ..