The Leatherback Turtle
Conservation Corner
Stabroek News
March 17, 2007
The leatherback turtle is the largest of all sea turtles, reaching an average length of 1.6 m. The beaches of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana) are probably the most important nesting sites for the leatherbacks of the Atlantic Ocean. The species has the widest distribution of any marine turtles, occurring from the North Sea and the Gulf of Alaska in the Northern Hemisphere to Chile and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere.
The leatherback turtle feeds on jelly-fish. The species spends much of its time in tropical and sub-tropical regions. However, nesting is primarily restricted to tropical beaches. The turtle travels long distances between foraging (feeding) sites and nesting sites. The species visits Guyana primarily between the months of January to July. The female comes ashore mainly at night and lays her eggs. During this time there are many threats to her life. Turtles are not fish. They cannot breathe under water. They must come to the surface to breathe. Consequently, when turtles become entangled in fishnets and are forced to stay underwater for extended periods, they drown. As much fishing occurs in front of Shell Beach, where the leatherbacks congregate in Guyana, many get caught in nets and drown. As the global populations of leatherbacks continue to decline, the loss of turtles in fishnets in Guyana is a great tragedy.
Quiz q: Name two threats to marine turtles in Guyana. Please send answers to:
TURTLES
WWF Guianas
87A Ituni Street
Bel Air Park,
Georgetown,
Guyana