Page 13 - Aruba Today
P. 13
LOCAL A13
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Leatherback Sea Turtle Season in Full Swing on Aruba!
EAGLE BEACH - Do you has been waiting for more Normally Sea Turtles ‘dig flash photography and vid- abort their nesting attempt
have noticed the turtle in- nests of this Leatherback. the dark’ - they come eo equipment. “Sea turtles or may even trap them.
formation signs along the ashore at night, being less dig the dark” So don’t leave any beach
Boulevard at Eagle Beach? visible for predators. Re- - Ask your hotel manager chairs at night unattended
There is one in front of Par- cently however the turtle to turn of or minimize the close to the sea, but make
adise Beach Villas and an- showed up at noon in front lights that are visible on the a stack as far as possible
other one close to Costa of Bucuti Beach Resort. She beach in front of the resort. away from the water.
Linda Beach Resort. The was not able to make a Close the curtains of your -Do not disturb a nesting
signs are called “Driekiel- new nest though, because room at night to prevent sea turtle. Do not attempt
O-Meter” with information of too many onlookers. light shining on the beach. to touch the turtle but stay
about the Leatherback She returned into the sea -Do not drive on beaches. at a respectful distance (at
Sea Turtles (locally called without egg laying. Not all of the turtle nests least 15 meters). Do allow
Driekiels). It is very impressive to see on all the beaches around the turtle to complete the
The Leatherback Sea Tur- a huge sea turtle coming Aruba are marked. Ve- full nesting process (about
tles nesting on Aruba don’t ashore, enjoy the sight, but hicles (4x4s, quads) com- two hours) and don’t be in
live in the Caribbean, but in make sure that the turtle pact the sand and can her way when she returns
the Northern part of the At- does not see you! Stay out crush the eggs. to the sea.
lantic Ocean, off the coast of her sight at a distance of -Do not litter. Do not leave -Do call Turtugaruba (24
of Nova Scotia, Canada. at least 15 meters. any plastic cups or bags hour Turtle Hotline: (297)
But they are born on Aru- All species of sea turtles are on the beach. The wind 592-9393.
ba’s beaches. After 20 - 30 endangered and need our will blow it into the sea. A
years they reach maturity protection. floating plastic bag is easily Follow Turtugaruba at
and then return to their na- What you can do to pro- mistaken for a jellyfish, the www.facebook.com/Tur-
tal beach in order to nest tect sea turtles: Leatherback Sea Turtle’s tugaruba. -If you witness a
during the turtle nesting -Lights out for sea turtles. favorite food. sea turtle, or if you see turtle
season (March - July). Nighttime activities and -Remove obstacles from crawl marks, during a late
This year’s first Leatherback artificial lighting may deter the beach. Obstacles as evening or early morning
made her nest in front of adult females from nesting. beach furniture or recre- stroll on the beach please
La Quinta recently. Nor- So PLEASE keep all lights ational equipment may do call Turtugaruba or no-
mally one female makes off, including flashlights, cause nesting females to tify the front desk of your
about 7 nests per season. hotel. Thanks!q
So Turtugaruba, the local
foundation that protects
the sea turtles on Aruba,
