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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
