Sea Turtles in the Antilles: Between Migration Mysteries and New Preservation Challenges – 2

Stable sea turtle nesting and increased sightings in the Caribbean

The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean are home to five species of sea turtles, three of which regularly nest on local beaches. Thanks to increased mobilization and concrete conservation actions, the trend seems encouraging: turtle populations appear stable and sightings at sea are increasing.

Local commitment to sea turtle conservation

“In the Caribbean,” explains Sophie Bédel, head of the scientific service at the Guadeloupe National Park, “the sea turtle network primarily focused its efforts on monitoring nesting and counting individuals. Some tagging programs have also emerged, such as in Martinique where the CNRS has tagged green turtles,” she notes. Today, a comprehensive strategy is applied through the National Action Plan (PNA), which combines scientific monitoring, conservation, and awareness-raising. “Everything works together,” insists Sophie Bédel.

The regional policy heavily relies on awareness-raising. This is primarily aimed at schoolchildren, from kindergarten to high school, but also involves increasingly engaged companies and municipal technical staff. Beyond information, concrete actions are taking place on the ground. “The Network, led by the ONF, conducts revegetation campaigns in collaboration with municipalities, to restore favorable beach conditions for nesting,” adds the biologist.

Today, awareness is growing among local populations and support for turtle conservation is increasing, although threats remain. “Poaching is evolving: we’ve moved from traditional consumption to organized trafficking, which is concerning,” she laments. Additionally, some protected sites are deteriorating due to a lack of surveillance resources. Turtles, whether residents or migratory, are also exposed to accidental catches in fishing nets, despite increasing fisherman awareness of their protection.