Mid season update

For a quarter of a century, the JBHP has been monitoring the nesting population of hawksbill turtles on Pasture Beach.  Following a slight drop in nesting activity during 2010, we hoped a surge in activity would mark the project’s25th anniversary.

However, the first half of the 2011 nesting season has followed a similar trend to the first half of the 2010 season: less activity, with an especially low presence of first-time nesters. From June 1st to August 31st, a total of 178 nests from 55 individuals were recorded. By comparison, we observed 31 more nests and 10 more individuals by the mid-point of the record-setting 2009. Only 11 individuals are new nesters, or neophytes, compared to 21 at this point in 2009. The observed decline may be related to events affecting the beach 15 to 20 years ago or more recent changes to the coral reefs where hawksbills feed. Some annual fluctuation is expected in the number of nesting turtles; this drop doesn’t necessarily represent a decline in the long-term trend of the population. It’s possible, however, that the JB nesting population has stabilized; factors such as the health of coral reefs may be impacting the ability of the marine environment to support higher numbers of turtles.

Evolution of the number of total nesters (in blue) and neophytes (in red) from 1987 to 2010.

As of mid-July, the first nests of the season started hatching, and thus far an estimated 5,200 hatchlings have scurried across the beach and entered the surf! Waves of resort guests joined the turtle team on the beach several times a week. EAG (Environmental Awareness Group) Turtle Watches also resumed on Friday nights, giving us the opportunity to share sea turtles with both tourists and Antiguans.

Several interesting characters on the beach have left lasting memories for the field team and guests. Deneb, WH5640, who disappeared in 2008 after laying only 1 nest of 40 eggs, returned for a second nesting season. During a torrential downpour in July, we confirmed her identity, checking her lone tag 3 times in disbelief. She has deposited two nests so far this season, one of which contained a record 222 eggs (perhaps she was making up for the 40 eggs in 2008).

Two mature ladies, PPN064 (tagged in 1988) and PPN075 (tagged in 1989) have deposited a combined 7 nests so far this season. PPN064 is on her 11th nesting season, making her one of the most prolific nesters on Jumby Bay. PPN075 is on her 7th nesting season. And finally, WH5780, a neophyte tagged at the end of June, happens to be the largest hawksbill ever recorded on Jumby Bay. The curved shell length of neophytes averages 83 cm; however, ‘Titanic Star’ (as she was dubbed by guests) measured in at 98.5cm!

During the past several months, unprecedented amounts of Sargassum have washed ashore on JB and across the Caribbean. This phenomenon, stretching even as far as the coast of West Africa, is thought to be due to a shift in ocean currents which has carried the Sargassum further South and West than usual.

Pasture Beach awash with Sargassum (D. Tilley)

Again this season, we were sadly reminded of the threat that fishing poses to marine turtles. A JB turtle originally tagged in 2003, who had deposited one nest this season, washed ashore dead on Blue Waters Beach in mid-August. As she presented no signs of obvious trauma, we assume that she drowned, mostly likely as a result of fishing gear. Unfortunately, the body was too decomposed to conduct a necropsy.

The last 25 years of protection granted to the turtles of Jumby Bay has undoubtedly contributed to the population’s increase. JB is one of only a handful of sites across the Caribbean documenting such growth in hawksbills. The Critically Endangered turtle continues to decline on a global scale, facing numerous threats ranging from the degradation of coral reefs and nesting grounds to illegal harvest and unintended capture in fishing gear. Fortunately, at Jumby Bay, hawksbills are in good hands!  The continued maintenance of turtle-friendly beaches, by preserving maritime vegetation, ensuring adequate sand depth and keeping the shore rubbish-free, will continue to provide a healthy and productive nesting environment.

We are very grateful to be surrounded by a community of support and encouragement. We thank you all for making this extraordinary project possible.

To the next 25 years! See you on the beach!