The annual sea turtle nesting season begins on March 1st and the Agriculture Ministry is emphasizing the importance of minimizing disturbance to nesting sites.

The nesting season runs until August 31st, 2024 and during this time, beachgoers are being urged to refrain from behaviours such as biking, driving vehicles, building sand castles, or mining beach sand, as well as avoiding the use of flambeaus, fires, headlights, or any bright lights along the shoreline.

It notes that such activities can disorient sea turtles, leading to potential abandonment of nesting sites or disorientation of hatchlings.

The Ministry says all five species of marine turtles visiting T&T are protected by law and the penalties for causing harm to sea turtles include a fine of TT$100,000 and a two-year jail term.

Persons interested in turtle viewing, can get permits at designated Forestry Division and District Revenue offices during regular business hours, Monday to Friday.

Permit Locations and Contact Information:

• Forestry Division, Long Circular Road, St. James, Phone: 225-3861
• Forestry Division, Pleasantville, San Fernando, Phone: 225-3777 / 3774 / 3772
• Forestry Division, Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande, Phone: 225-3728
• District Revenue Office, Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas, Phone: 671-4773
• District Revenue Office, Tunapuna, Phone: 662-279