Update May 30, 2024 7 PM
NATURE FOUNDATION ST. MAARTEN
On Monday, Nature Foundation staff attempted a second excavation of the Maho Beach leatherback sea turtle nest laid in April. While the nest was not originally relocated because the exact location of the eggs could not be found, it was marked by delineating poles and monitored by staff on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, excessive beach erosion and some poor visitor behavior - including tourists posing for photos within the markers! - forced us to try to relocate the nest a second time for fear of losing it. ❌ As a reminder, disturbing sea turtles or their nests is strictly forbidden and punishable by law, even if no harm was intended.
Relocating a nest can be risky, particularly once the eggs have already remained in the nest for some time, so this decision was not made lightly. However, despite a laborious attempt to find the eggs, none were found during the second excavation. The Nature Foundation has thus concluded that it is not possible to confirm the presence of leatherback eggs on Maho Beach. The poles and tape have since been removed to prevent them from being swept away as the beach continues to erode.
It may be that the leatherback did not successfully lay her clutch after digging the nest, perhaps due to stress from curious witnesses who got a little too close. A second presumed leatherback nest on Mullet Bay beach may belong to this same female, as they will lay multiples clutches in a season, or lay on another beach after abandoning one undesirable site.
We understand this may be a disappointing update, but we thank everyone for their interest and attention. Nature Foundation staff had the opportunity to chat with several people about this and we are always glad for the opportunity to raise awareness about Sint Maarten's native wildlife. 💚
While we cannot be sure that there are sea turtle eggs on Maho Beach, the Nature Foundation asks that nearby vendors or early morning beachgoers contact us immediately if any hatching activity is seen in the next four weeks. During regular hours, call +1 (721) 544-4267. For after-hours reporting, use our WhatsApp number +1 (721) 581-6365.
FYI Drphilsxm
.
