Conservation: The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Jamaica

Jamaica's coastal waters provide crucial nesting grounds for the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), a critically endangered marine reptile found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the island's coast (Haynes-Sutton et al., 2011). This remarkable species, recognizable by its hawk-like beak and intricately patterned shell, has roamed the world's tropical oceans for over 100 million years. Hawksbills are widely distributed across Jamaica's coastal areas, with significant nesting populations reported along the north, south, and west coasts, as well as offshore cays and banks (Haynes-Sutton et al., 2011).

Hawksbills play a vital ecological role in maintaining the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds, which provide habitat for diverse marine life (Bjorndal & Jackson, 2003). As primarily spongivorous species, they help regulate sponge populations, preventing coral overgrowth and facilitating the growth of new coral formations (León & Bjorndal, 2002). Additionally, their migratory patterns and nesting activities contribute to the exchange of nutrients between marine and terrestrial ecosystems (Bouchard & Bjorndal, 2000). Beyond their ecological significance, hawksbills hold immense cultural and economic value for many Jamaican coastal communities. Historically, these turtles have been a source of food, income, and crafts from their exquisitely patterned shells (Troëng & Drews, 2004). However, this traditional use has become unsustainable due to declining hawksbill populations.

Despite legal protection, illegal hunting and poaching of hawksbill turtles and their eggs persist in Jamaica. Recent investigations have uncovered cases of protected turtles being slaughtered and their meat sold on the black market (NEPA Investigates Illegal Slaughtering of Protected Turtle, 2015), violating national laws and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Coastal development, including beach construction, artificial lighting, and tourism infrastructure, poses a severe threat to nesting habitats (Donaldson, 2008). Disoriented by artificial lights, mother turtles struggle to find suitable nesting sites, and hatchlings become confused, wandering inland instead of towards the sea (Kelly, 2022). Climate change compounds these pressures through rising sea levels, increasing storm frequency, and degrading nesting beaches and foraging areas (Haynes-Sutton et al., 2011). Bycatch in fisheries is another significant threat, as hawksbills can become entangled in fishing gear or accidentally caught on longlines and in nets (Donaldson, 2008). Marine pollution, particularly from plastics and discarded fishing gear, can also lead to ingestion or entanglement, causing injuries or death (Schuyler et al., 2013).

Recognizing these mounting challenges, the Jamaican government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities have united to safeguard the hawksbill's future. Efforts include intensified beach patrols, public awareness campaigns, nest monitoring, habitat restoration, and community outreach programs ((Save Jamaica’s Sea Turtles – Jamaica Environment Trust, n.d.). Additionally, initiatives like the Goldeneye Foundation's project in Oracabessa Bay have transformed degraded coastal areas into vibrant sanctuaries for hawksbills and other marine life through coral reef rehabilitation, mangrove restoration, and sustainable fishing practices.

Ensuring the survival of Jamaica's hawksbill sea turtles requires a multi-pronged approach addressing the complex web of threats they face. Stricter enforcement of existing laws expanded protected areas, sustainable tourism practices, and engaging local communities through alternative livelihood programs and public education campaigns are crucial steps (Haynes-Sutton et al., 2011). By prioritizing the conservation of this captivating species, Jamaica can safeguard not only its rich cultural heritage and ecological integrity but also the economic prosperity that depends on the health of its coastal environments.

By Samoy James

"Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology at the University of the West Indies Mona, 2024"

References

Bjorndal, K. A., & Jackson, J. B. (2003). Roles of sea turtles in marine ecosystems:

reconstructing the past. In The biology of sea turtles (Vol. 2, pp. 259-273).

Bouchard, S. S., & Bjorndal, K. A. (2000). Sea Turtles as Biological Transporters of Nutrients and Energy from Marine to Terrestrial Ecosystems. Ecology, 81(8), 2305. https://doi.org/10.2307/177116

Donaldson, A. (2008). Conservation of Sea Turtles Conservation of Sea Turtles Conservation of Sea Turtles Conservation of Sea Turtles in Jamaica in Jamaica in Jamaica in Jamaica. https://www.nepa.gov.jm/sites/default/files/2019-12/The_Ecology_and_Conservation_of_Sea_Turtle_in_Jamaica.pdf

Haynes-Sutton, Ann, Rhema Kerr Bjorkland and Andrea Donaldson. 2011. WIDECAST Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan for Jamaica (Ronald A. Bjorkland and Karen L. Eckert, Editors). CEP Technical Report No. 50. UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme, Kingston, Jamaica. xiii + 124 pp. https://www.widecast.org/Resources/Docs/Jamaica_Sea_Turtle_Recovery_Action_Plan_2011.pdf

Kelly, M. (2022). Sea Turtles, Jamaica Beach Guide | NEPA. Nepa.gov.jm. https://websitearchive2020.nepa.gov.jm/new/services_products/subsites/beach_guide/sea_turtles.php

León, Y., & Bjorndal, K. (2002). Selective feeding in the hawksbill turtle, an important predator in coral reef ecosystems. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 245, 249–258. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps245249

NEPA investigates illegal slaughtering of protected turtle. (2015, September 22). Jamaica-Gleaner.com. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150922/nepa-investigates-illegal-slaughtering-protected-turtle

Save Jamaica’s Sea Turtles – Jamaica Environment Trust. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://jamentrust.org/projects/save-jamaicas-sea-turtles/

SCHUYLER, Q., HARDESTY, B. D., WILCOX, C., & TOWNSEND, K. (2013). Global Analysis of Anthropogenic Debris Ingestion by Sea Turtles. Conservation Biology, 28(1), 129–139. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12126

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Troëng, S., & Drews, C. (2004). economic aspects of marine turtle use and conservation. https://conserveturtles.org/wp-content/uploads/Troeng&Drews_MoneyTalks2004.pdf

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