ICZM News Article – EMA – A secure horizon for our Sea Turtles

Marine turtles endure a diverse and perilous lifecycle – from delicate eggs to precious hatchlings, to resilient juveniles and fully grown adults traversing the world’s oceans. However, according to seaturtles.org, it is estimated that only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood, as many do not live beyond the egg or hatchling stage. This means that every surviving turtle is essential for the species’ continued existence. With sea turtle populations declining globally, the shores of Trinidad and Tobago provide vital nesting habitats for these species, particularly the Leatherback Turtle. Together, the beaches of Trinidad’s northeastern coast (Matura, Grand Riviere and Fishing Pond) host one of the largest nesting assemblages of Leatherback Turtles in the world, underscoring the crucial role of our national conservation strategy within a global context.