We are very excited to say we got our first phone call yesterday morning reporting turtle tracks. I called in our local experts, Bobby and Carvel, and we went to the beach to investigate. Sure enough, the tracks show us it is a Hawksbill sea turtle who walked 21 meters up a sand dune, dug out her nest, laid the eggs, then walked further up to push branches over the nest to protect it. There were dog and mongoose tracks leading up to the nest but it looks like they didn't disturb it.

We were very happy to tag it #1 of what we hope will be many more this season! This nest was found on Old Warf beach. Thanks Julie for making the report.





Important Reminders:

The peak turtle nesting season is from June - November. We are requesting any sightings of tracks, nests, predation of nests or hatchlings be reported to:

JET (Jamaica Environmental Trust) at 960-3693 or cosullivanjet@gmail.com.

Supporting pictures with dates would also be very helpful.

Guidelines for protecting sea turtles:

* Limit the use of lights on the beach or outside lights on the villas located near the beach during the nesting season. Bright lights disorient turtles when trying to nest and hatchlings when they emerge from the nest. Since hatchlings follow the brightest light (which should be the moon) back to sea, other lights may disorient them and cause them to head inland where they are easily picked off by predators.

* Do not allow your dogs to roam the beach unattended as dogs may well dig up turtle nests.

* No bonfires on the beach. Bonfires could cook eggs and the bright light from the fire will disorient them.

* Do not purchase any turtle products including eggs, meat, shell (jewelry)

I've just heard from Christine, our Sea Turtle Project Leader for JET, and she said this is the first "official" sighting for the project. Well, I guess it figures Treasure Beach would be the first . . . !

Big up Treasure Beach! May you become the first Jamaican community where everyone really values and protects nesting sea turtles...

Ms. McCaulay, I have a feeling that scenarios such as this is what keeps you going. Your job I am sure is VERY frustrating, but the victories make it all worth while, although those victories seem far and few between.

This brings a big smile to my face. keep up the good work, TB Citizens

I am wondering if it is a good idea to advertise where nests are found? Just my own thought...

Delighted and intrigued to hear this news and see the pictures, thanks Rebecca. I recall having seen a post on this subject when it came up some months ago, in which the author wrote that he made a habit of covering up any such tracks when he found them, so no-one would know where the nests were and perhaps interfere with the eggs. That seemed to me a good idea, as I'm certain that some people still do consider turtle eggs to be delicacy, tragically. Does Christine think such secrecy a necessary or desirable approach?

I agree Kalona. That is why the photos do not give away the exact location and I wasn't any more specific than saying Old Wharf which is a large area.

Would suggest not showing pics of actual nests [as people do dig them up] and good idea to cover up the turtle tracks leading to nest as well.

Do I remember right that the eggs are supposed to be aphrodisiacs? Found this from Mexico.

http://www.vallartaonline.com/information/SpotLight/TurtleEggsMythandReality/

Yes, the eggs sex is determined by heat. Just remember: "Guys are cool and chicks are hot". In other words, males will be at the bottom of the pile and females will be towards the top. If it is an exceptionally cool season, they will be majority males. Exceptionally hot, majority female...

If there is a lot of poaching in an area it might be best to cover the tracks once you've taken all the measurements. A lot of people say that turtle eggs are aphrodisiacs but there's no scientific evidence of it. I'm very grateful to Rebecca, Bobby and Carvel for recording and reporting the nest. I'm very excited to work with all of you this season - Christine