The loggerhead turtle found in the possession of a Grand Bahamian man was released back into the ocean due to the quick thinking action of local officials. (Photo: Freeport News)
OFFICERS and officials in Grand Bahama have been praised by two leading environmental groups for their quick thinking in arresting and charging a man with illegal possession of a protected loggerhead turtle and releasing it back into the ocean.
Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save The Bays said it was the first arrest for a marine animal violation in Grand Bahama in 12 years and the first in the nation since The Bahamas passed legislation banning the capture or sale of sea turtles in 2009.
“This was an example of the system working exactly as it should,” said Save The Bays Chairman Joseph Darville. “According to published reports that we followed with great appreciation, a police officer on routine patrol saw the truck a quarter of a mile from the beach and spotted the huge turtle in the back. Knowing that turtles were protected under the law that bans capture, sale and slaughter, the officer contacted the Assistant Superintendent of Fisheries with the Ministry of Marine Resources in Grand Bahama, Clement Campbell.
“Mr. Campbell immediately responded and questioned the young man who reportedly told him he found the turtle by the side of the road, an explanation which Mr Campbell found questionable. Even if it were true, it would still be a violation of the law which is very clear about possession or sale of turtles or any part of a turtle, including eggs. If the gentleman found the turtle by the side of the road, the honourable thing to do would have been to report it, document it with his phone as he got help to lift it and get it back to the sea as quickly and safely as he could.
“That gentleman could have been a hero instead of facing charges and another court appearance.”
According to reports in The Freeport News, the incident occurred around 5:30pm on August 20 near Bahama Beach, West End, an area favoured for its rich fishing grounds. Fishermen in Grand Bahama have complained that turtles are eating crawfish and juvenile conch, but Mr. Darville, who is also a monitor for Waterkeepers Bahamas, said those fishermen who complain are not crediting turtles for the critical role they play in nurturing conch, crawfish and fish populations.
“Nearly every part of the turtle contributes to the health of the sea,” said Mr. Darville. “The shell has been referred to as the garden of the sea. Up to 100 species of animal and plant life have been found on a turtle’s back. And because turtles are bottom feeders, they stir up and aerate the sand providing nutritional benefits. Perhaps most importantly, a turtle is not just garden, but gardener, eating sea grass and keeping it trimmed, creating a nursery for conch, fish and crawfish.”
Grand Bahama Waterkeeper executive director Rashema Ingraham praised the Bahamas National Trust, saying: “If we gave out awards, my vote would be for Clement Campbell and those on his team who rushed to the scene, carried out their responsibilities with conviction, and performed the rescue, upholding Regulation 29 (a) of Chapter 244, dealing with the possession of a marine mammal without proper permission,” she said.
“Thanks to them, today there is a 100-lb loggerhead turtle swimming freely, doing its part in the marine eco-chain.”
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