There are seven different species of sea turtles globally, but the four most common species in the eastern Caribbean are The green turtle (Chelonia mydas): Named for the green colour of its body fat. The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), The only sea turtle without a bony shell. Its back is covered with a layer of tough, rubbery skin that resembles leather. The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta): Named because of its exceptionally large head and lastly, The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Named because of its narrow head and large beak that resembles the beak of a hawk. Barbados is proud to boast the second largest Hawksbill breeding population in the Caribbean, however, these gorgeous creatures are a critically endangered species.
As of 1998, we are happy to say that the Barbados Government enacted a total moratorium on all sea turtle harvesting touting penalites of up to $50,000 in fines and/or two years in jail. Aside from making it illegal to catch any species of sea turtle, it is also illegal to possess or own any form of turtle product.
It is a rare honour and a truly wonderful experience to be able to swim with these gentle giants and we urge you, please, do not support turtle trade in any form, it would be such a tragedy to see this magnificent species die out.
As of 1998, we are happy to say that the Barbados Government enacted a total moratorium on all sea turtle harvesting touting penalites of up to $50,000 in fines and/or two years in jail. Aside from making it illegal to catch any species of sea turtle, it is also illegal to possess or own any form of turtle product.
It is a rare honour and a truly wonderful experience to be able to swim with these gentle giants and we urge you, please, do not support turtle trade in any form, it would be such a tragedy to see this magnificent species die out.
