EMA lists 5 sea turtles – green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley, as environmentally sensitive species
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has officially listed five sea turtle species as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS). This crucial designation signifies that these turtles are in immediate danger of extinction and therefore require the highest level of protection under Trinidad and Tobago law.
With the turtle nesting season having begun on March 1st, the EMA is strongly urging the public to exercise extreme caution and awareness if they encounter these turtles during this critical period. This includes avoiding disturbance of nesting sites, refraining from using bright lights on beaches at night, and not interfering with turtles or hatchlings.
This designation highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard these vulnerable marine reptiles, which play a vital role in Trinidad and Tobago’s marine ecosystems.
