By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE largest leatherback turtle recorded to nestle upon the shores of Matura has been tagged by Minister of Planning and Development Pennelope Beckles.
The turtle named “Penny” weighed 1,150lbs as the ministry along with Nature Seekers commemorated World Earth Day 2023 on April 23 at Orosco Bay, Toco Main Road, Matura.
Penny was tagged with a satellite tracker by Beckles, which will aid with the ongoing research and conservation of the leatherback turtle, a release from the ministry stated on Monday.
On Monday, the turtle resurfaced at the Balandra Beach, as indicated by the satellite tracker at approximately 10.23 am.
At the event on April 23, Beckles said, “Our interest in the natural environment, and in recognition of the work and contributions made by organisations such as Nature Seekers, will continue to invest towards the sustainable management of this unique and amazingly diverse natural environment of turtle conservation, as well as conservation in general within our twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago as it pertains to the worldwide status of the leatherback sea turtle species.”
She said that the emphasis on sustainable management and conservation tied in with the philosophy of the Government National Development Strategy, Vision 2030, in which one of the five main themes is titled – Placing the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic Development.
Beckles said, “What this means to us is that as we in Trinidad and Tobago continue on a sustainable development path and with the continuing growth in the population, there will be increasing demands placed on our limited environmental resources.
“As such, our natural heritage must be protected, conserved and used wisely. The environment is the common thread that supports all sectors which contribute to the social and economic development of the nation. Therefore, it must be managed for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Beckles also emphasised the importance of the work done by non-governmental organisations like Nature Seekers in their conservation efforts to protect the five species of sea turtles that visit Trinidad and Tobago’s waters and shores.
These species include; the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley turtles. All of these turtle species have received the designation of Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) by the Environmental Management Authority.
The Leatherback turtle is listed as vulnerable, the Loggerhead is also vulnerable, the Hawksbill is critically endangered, the Green turtle is endangered and the Olive Ridley is listed as another vulnerable species.
In addition, Trinidad and Tobago is internationally recognised as one of the largest nesting sites for leatherback turtles in the world.
The theme for World Earth Day 2023 was ‘Invest in our Planet’, the only thing all mankind has in common.
Also present at the April event was Ambassador of the European Union Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of Cuba Tania Diego Olite and Her Excellency and High Commissioner of Australia Sonya Koppe.
