Letter to the Editor-Conservationists express concern |04 June 2005

Most Seychellois have seen the SBC footage documenting the seizure of many gunny sacks of salted meat being landed at Providence, Mahe.   It was obvious to all that the shipment included numerous TURTLE FLIPPERS. 

In 1994, legislation was passed protecting all sea turtles in Seychelles regardless of species, sex or size.  Since then, the Government and various conservation bodies have spent significant amounts of money and effort in studies of turtle populations, in building awareness about the plight of marine turtles and in the promotion of turtles as an eco tourist attraction. The response of the public has been very encouraging.  School children in particular have become very sensitised to the plight of the turtles, and they, like many other Seychellois, are now feeling saddened and frustrated at the outcome of the court case.

We wish to encourage all friends of the environment not to lose heart, not to lose hope, and to continue to report any violation of the laws in relation to protection of turtles. We also implore the authorities to assist us by taking whatever action is needed to stop turtle poaching in our country. 

Tourists, as well as Seychellois, are often entranced by a direct encounter with a female turtle laying eggs or baby turtles hatching. These long-lived creatures of the sea are part of our very precious environment.

Let us sustain the reputation of Seychelles as a global leader in environmental conservation.

Signed by:
I. Afif (SBC); K. Beaver (PCA); L. Chong Seng (SIF); L. Desaubin & J. Larue (Env. Education Committee); E.S.& G. Fideria (Big Blue Divers); R. Gerlach (NPTS); N. Hoareau (MPA/SCMRT); D. Laporte (Anse Forbans Chalet); V. Laboudallon (on Praslin); M. Loustau-Lalanne (SIF); P. Matyot (SBC); J.A. Mortimer (Turtle Specialist); S. Robert (Mason’s Travel); D. Rowatt (MCSS); G. Sanders (Underwater Centre); A. Skerrett (ICS); R. Troian (Chateau d’Eau).