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

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

Local commitment to sea turtle conservation

“In the Antilles,” explains Sophie Bédel, head of the scientific department of the Guadeloupe National Park, “the sea turtle network has so far concentrated its efforts mainly on monitoring nesting and counting individuals. Occasional 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 (NAP), which combines scientific monitoring, conservation, and awareness-raising. “Everything works together,” insists Sophie Bédel.

The regional policy heavily emphasizes awareness-raising. It initially targets schoolchildren, from kindergarten to high school, but also involves companies, which are increasingly engaged, as well as municipal technical staff. Beyond information, concrete actions are being deployed in the field. “The Network, led by the ONF, for example, conducts revegetation campaigns in collaboration with municipal authorities, to restore favorable conditions for nesting on the beaches,” adds the biologist.