Every year, sea turtles, including the iconic leatherback, return to TT shores for their nesting season. Dr Anjani Ganase has some suggestions on how we should treat these very special guests.

Every memory of going to observe turtle nesting has become a lasting one. I still remember going to Matura as a child, following my mother in the dark along the long, sandy stretch, only to suddenly stumble upon a laying leatherback bigger than me! Fast forward to Grande Riviere in my early 20s where leatherback turtles were literally bumping into each other in the darkest night, on the beach with the highest density of nesting turtles in Trinidad. Such encounters were always guided by an expert and were significant for the respect and care that were expected if we were to be in the presence of these ancient and majestic creatures.

The leatherback turtle nesting season runs roughly from March to August; June to November for Hawksbill turtles. While we are mostly excited to see the giant sea turtle, the leatherback, other species such as hawksbills, green turtles, olive ridley and loggerheads also come ashore to nest. Hawksbill turtles are the next most abundant after leatherback turtles for nesting in TT. Let us remember that the turtles are our primary visitors, and they create the occasion for us humans to appreciate their visits.

As we return to nesting beaches in greater numbers, we have to be alarmed by the series of videos shared recently on social media showing footage of humans flashing bright lights at the turtles and even standing on the nesting turtles. Such mistreatment of these vulnerable mothers is something that must be continuously addressed. Hence the need for publicity and sensitisation to increase awareness that these animals must be treated with respect; and to remind us all of our responsibility for the privilege of being allowed to observe nesting turtles. The sea turtles that visit TT shores - leatherbacks, green, hawksbill, loggerhead and olive ridley - are five of ten environmentally sensitive species designated by the EMA. In TT, this means that under the Environmental Management Act, the rules prohibit any disturbance or harm to the species or their habitat. The penalty for this is a $100,000 fine and a two-year jail term.

Considering the value of these creatures to the ocean's natural ecosystems, we should treat encounters with these sea turtles as special and precious. Where to observe and how to approach nesting sea turtles should be something taught through our educational system, along with the knowledge of our environmentally sensitive areas and all the diverse natural habitats that make up TT. Since they spend their lives off shore, sea turtles must also be protected in the ocean.

The nesting process

During the nesting season, male and female turtles gather just off shore where they mate before the females come to the beaches to lay their eggs. Females lay multiple clutches of eggs within the same season (average four to five for hawksbills and greens, six to ten fo