The Environmental Management Agency is seeking information about exactly who is responsible for destroying a turtle nesting site at Turtle Beach. Its CEO has asked Tobagonians to come forward with information.
Yesterday, the EMA also issued a strong warning that it is fully ready to take the necessary enforcement measures against individuals who are found to be engaging in any unauthorised activities that harm the environment, specifically Environmental Sensitive Sites (ESS).
This action is in accordance with Section 62(d) of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 (the Act). Those found guilty are subjected to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.
The warning comes in response to an incident at Turtle Beach, where a nesting site was destroyed, resulting in the loss of numerous unhatched turtle eggs.
In a release yesterday, the EMA said officers from the EMA’s Environmental Police Unit (Tobago Office) and officers of the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainable Development of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) conducted a joint site visit yesterday to ascertain the extent of the works conducted.
An assessment report will be handed over to EMA CEO Hayden Romano today. Romano also wrote to the THA for information about the ownership of the land.
When Guardian Media visited the site, hundreds of crushed turtle eggs now covered Turtle Beach, an important site for endangered leatherback turtles on the island.
The beach has been divided into two. On one side developmental works are at an advanced stage.
The devastating scene at the nesting site was caused by heavy machinery that disrupted the once peaceful nesting grounds.
The EMA confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the destruction that has left its chief executive officer “heartbroken.”
Romano told Guardian Media, “This is very sad in 2024, we don’t expect this to be happening.”
The EMA’s police unit and officers of the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainable Development went to the site yesterday to ascertain the extent of the work conducted. Reminding that the leatherback turtle is protected by law, the EMA CEO called on Tobagonians to come forward with information on who is responsible.
But there’s one question puzzling the EMA CEO: How could this happen under the authority’s nose?
“It looks like a lot of work was being done, but nobody seems to have known anything. I don’t understand ... How come nobody alerted any of the authorities, that’s our concern,” he added.
Meanwhile, one visitor, who asked to be identified as Collin from the UK, said he was saddened by this occurrence as he examined a crushed egg resting along the shoreline.
“It’s an absolute disgrace. For an island that is so beautiful, this beach is precious to its history. Why should the ecosystem be treated in such a manner? I’ve been here three times, and in all the times that we have been here, we have never seen anything like this.
“Tobago must do what it takes to protest this. It is a rare thing for the world,” he said.
When contacted for comment, Assistant Secretary for Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development Nigel Taitt would only say that “we are aware of the issue.”