On Friday, September 14, 2018, Nicolas Remy, an ONF agent in Martinique, found turtle tracks along the edge of the Anse Trabaud marsh in Sainte-Anne while on patrol.
After following the tracks, he discovered two hawksbill sea turtles in distress. He quickly stepped in to rehydrate the turtles and alerted his colleagues at Le Diamant and Le Vauclin. They immediately went to the scene to return the animals to their natural habitat.
The three officers on the scene placed the sea turtles on a tarp. They were carried 150 meters without incident along a muddy path in the Forêt Domaniale du Littorale.
The turtles were then released back into the water at Anse Trabaud Beach. It was a complicated operation, but it went off without a hitch thanks to the team’s solidarity and professionalism.
This happy ending is worth noting, as this species is currently critically endangered (CR).
A decline of 85% in the global population has been observed over the past three generations.
We would like to remind you that only authorized individuals may come to the aid of sea turtles. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to a fine of 150,000 euros and two years’ imprisonment (Art. L 415-3 of the Environmental Code).
If you come across a turtle that has been accidentally caught, is tagged, injured, dead, or stranded, you can contact the stranding network at 0696 234 235.
Watch the video to see one of the turtles being released back into the water.
