A gruesome discovery was made this week when tourists snorkelling near the Dolphin Dock stumbled upon a Sea Turtle carapace and severed head, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of wildlife laws.
The Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization (DOMSTECO) has condemned the killing and is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Killing nesting turtles or stealing their eggs is illegal in Dominica, yet incidents continue to threaten already fragile populations.
Three species nest on Dominica’s beaches – Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback turtles.
According to conservationists, it takes nearly 1,000 hatchlings to produce just one adult turtle, making every loss catastrophic. With lifespans stretching decades, the loss of a single adult female can mean the loss of thousands of potential offspring.
At Rosalie Beach, one of Dominica’s key nesting sites, turtle sightings of all species have plummeted by 66% over the past decade with Green Turtle sightings being the most in decline. These startling figures highlight how every killing accelerates the decline of species already under immense pressure.
Beyond the ecological impact, conservationists warn that such acts send the wrong message to tourists who come to Dominica expecting to experience “The Nature Island.” Witnessing wildlife destruction undermines the country’s reputation as a pristine eco-tourism destination and could have lasting consequences for the island’s economy.
DOMSTECO has urged the public to come forward with any information.
Reports can be made anonymously at (767) 265-0908 or (767) 235-4091.
“This is not just a crime against wildlife, it’s a blow to our national heritage,” said a DOMSTECO spokesperson. “Protecting turtles protects our future.”
where is the dolphin dock?
There should not only be a reward for this incident there should be a reward for all accidents including harvesting turtle eggs.The main culprits are fishermen and police officers.Police always have VIAN TORTY in their fridge.I remember a was being paid to prevent people havesting TORTY and TORTY eggs in the LaPlaine area.One day authorities decided to search the man house.Garcon they found TORTY head,TORTY shell,TORTY meat and TORTY penis in the man fridge.Police love TORTY penis so they turn a blind eye.