The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources (DFMR) would like to announce the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season in Anguilla. Although turtles are known to nest throughout the year, peak activity occurs between March and September. During these months the department puts a special focus on documenting any nesting or nest hatching activity.

Adult turtle tracks on a beach in Anguilla

All species of sea turtle are considered threatened or endangered and four of these species are known to live in Anguillian waters. Three species - the Leatherback, Hawksbill & Green – have so far been recorded nesting around the island and its offshore cays, while the Loggerhead Sea Turtle has been sighted in our waters but nesting has not yet been confirmed. Although the DFMR conducts morning beach surveys at key locations to document activity, a key role can be played by beach-goers that notice signs of activity (see photograph).

Residents and visitors are kindly asked to report any nesting or nest hatching activity to the DFMR by calling 497-2871 (daytime only), by visiting its office on the northern end of Sandy Ground, or by emailing fisheriesmr@gov.ai. If adult turtles are sighted people are asked to keep disturbances to a minimum until a Fisheries Officer arrives. If this activity is seen during the night it is possible to reach a member of staff by calling 581-7322. Persons are reminded that it is an offence to harm sea turtles in any way or disturb their nests.
As most nesting events occur during the night, hoteliers and restaurant owners are kindly being asked to cooperate with the DFMR by removing chairs and other obstacles from the beach after dark. It is also asked that beachfront lighting is kept to a minimal between 10 pm and 3 am as it disorientates hatchlings, often leading to their death through exhaustion or dehydration when they are unable to locate the sea.

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