It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs (BEMA) that a Leatherback sea turtle was illegally slaughtered on 13 May 2026, at the beach near the Solamente Guesthouse in Lance Aux Épines, St George.
BEMA categorically condemns the brutal and illegal act and wishes to remind the public of SRO 9 of 1987, amended by SRO 24 of 1996 and SRO 2 of 2001 (Regulation 17), which states:
- No person shall fish for, take, sell, purchase, have in his or her possession or disturb the nest of any Leatherback turtle of any size at any time
- No person shall disturb, take, sell, purchase or have in his or her possession any turtle eggs
- No person shall fish for, take, sell, purchase, have in his or her possession any turtle which is not of harvestable size and weight or any part thereof
- No person shall fish for turtles during the closed season for turtles
- No person shall interfere with any turtle nest during the closed season
The public is reminded that the capture of Leatherback sea turtles continues to be a Closed Fishery and is strictly prohibited, and that the closed seasons are as follows:
- Turtles and Sea Urchins (Sea Eggs): 1 April to 31 August
- Lobsters: 1 May to 31 August
- Levera Beach in the parish of St Patrick: 1 April to 31 August. (Closed for all leisure and fishing activities)
Considering the afore-mentioned, the ministry urges anyone with information regarding the killing of this turtle or the person(s) who may have possessed its shell or meat to contact us at telephone numbers (473) 440-3814/438-5050 or the nearest police station.
The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs in collaboration with the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) will be increasing beach patrols during the nesting season; however, everyone must do their part to conserve our marine resources for livelihood protection, environmental stewardship and posterity.
BEMA
