Comment observer une tortue marine - Parc Naturel Marin - OFB

in Les Trois-Îlets

  • Sea turtles frequent the beaches and waters of Martinique both to lay their eggs and to feed in the middle of the seagrass beds. In Martinique, there are 5 species of sea turtles which are protected according to their degree of vulnerability and the danger of extinction which weighs on them.

  • - The hawksbill turtle: frequent at sea, it regularly lays eggs on our coasts from June to September. It is classified in "critical danger of extinction" which is the most threatened status (preceding extinction).
    - The green turtle: frequent at sea, its eggs are rare on the island. It is classified as "endangered".
    - The leatherback turtle: rarely observed at sea. It is considered as vulnerable on an international scale.
    - The loggerhead turtle: it is present in our waters but does not...
    - The hawksbill turtle: frequent at sea, it regularly lays eggs on our coasts from June to September. It is classified in "critical danger of extinction" which is the most threatened status (preceding extinction).
    - The green turtle: frequent at sea, its eggs are rare on the island. It is classified as "endangered".
    - The leatherback turtle: rarely observed at sea. It is considered as vulnerable on an international scale.
    - The loggerhead turtle: it is present in our waters but does not lay eggs on our coasts. It is classified as "in danger of extinction".
    - The olive ridley turtle: it is rarely found at sea and does not lay eggs in Martinique. It is considered as a vulnerable species.

    How to observe a marine turtle at sea ?
    With fins, mask and snorkel, it is possible to observe sea turtles at sea. However, some rules are to be respected in order not to alter their life habits and harm their health:

    - Respect a distance of about 5 meters between you and the sea turtle
    - Do not touch the turtle
    - Do not chase it
    - Stay on the surface to observe it


    How to observe a sea turtle laying eggs on the beach ?

    The turtle laying season in Martinique is from March to October. During all this period, marine turtles, mainly leatherbacks, hawksbills and green turtles, visit our beaches, most of the time at night, to lay their eggs. During the laying of eggs, which sometimes lasts several hours, the turtles are in an extremely fragile state and any disturbance could harm them or cause them to turn back. Also, it is very important to respect some rules in case of observation of turtles laying:

    Respect a distance of 10 meters to avoid disturbing them
    Turn off all sources of artificial lights
    Do not photograph turtles with a flash
    Do not touch the turtles and the eggs.

    How to observe new-borns ?

    In case of observation of new-borns, it is essential not to intervene and to let them reach the sea by themselves. Indeed, this stage is important for their development. However, in case of imminent danger or too important obstacles, it is possible to :

    - Scare away predators: dogs, birds, crabs...
    - Clear the way to the sea by removing branches, algae...
    - Contain the public
    - Turn off all sources of artificial light
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