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A9
LOCAL Tuesday 11 april 2023

Leatherback Sea Turtle Season has started

The Leatherback Sea Tur- turtle to complete the full
tles nesting in Aruba don’t nesting process (about two
live in the Caribbean, but hours) and don’t be in her
in the Northern part of the way when she returns to
Atlantic Ocean, as far as the sea.
Nova Scotia, Canada. Do call Turtugaruba (24-
hour Turtle Hotline: (297)
But they are born on Aru- 5929393. Follow Turtuga-
ba’s beaches. After 20 – 30 ruba at www.facebook.
years they reach maturity com/Turtugaruba.
and then return to their na-
tal beach to nest during If you witness a sea turtle,
the turtle nesting season or if you see turtle crawl
(March – July). It is very im- marks, during a late eve-
pressive to see a huge sea ning or early morning stroll
turtle coming ashore, enjoy on the beach please do
the sight, but make sure marked. spectful distance (at least call Turtugaruba. Thanks a
that the turtle does not see Vehicles (4x4, quads) can 10 meters). Do allow the lot!q
you! Stay out of her sight crush the eggs and will
at a distance of at least compact the sand. Driving
10 meters. The picture was on a beach is not good for
taken at Eagle Beach, last the condition of the sand
Sunday early morning. Nor- (and for our own condition
mally sea turtle females will it is better to walk!)
nest at night
Do not litter.
All species of sea turtles are Do not leave any plastic
endangered and need our cups, straws, bags, bal-
protection. loons on the beach. The
wind will blow it into the
What you can do to protect sea. A floating plastic bag
sea turtles: is easily mistaken for a jel-
Lights out for sea turtles. lyfish, the Leatherback Sea
Nighttime activities and Turtle’s favorite food.
artificial lighting may deter
adult females from nesting. Remove obstacles from the
So PLEASE keep all lights off, beach.
including flashlights, flash Obstacles as beach furni-
photography and video ture or recreational equip-
equipment. “Sea turtles dig ment may cause nesting
the dark” females to abort their nest-
ing attempt or may even
Ask your hotel manager trap them. So don’t leave
to turn off or minimize the any beach chairs at night
lights that are visible on the unattended close to the
beach in front of the resort. sea but make a stack as far
Close the curtains of your as possible away from the
room at night to prevent water.
light shining on the beach.
Do not disturb a nesting sea
Do not drive on beaches. turtle.
Not all turtle nests on all the Do not attempt to touch
beaches around Aruba are the turtle but stay at a re-