Buying a second chance

“If you grab the camera and video, we can go join J.P. at Lumbadive. He just mentioned to me he?? s going to help release a turtle. Where? When? …where did the turtle come from? I don”t know anymore than that. Come on let”s go. ” That”s how our conversation went, as we jumped into the dinghy to pick up Tara and Stewart (of sv Mange Tout) and make our way to the local diveshop, Lumbadive. It all happened very fast and within minutes we were at our first of 3 stops.

Arriving at the dive shop, J.P. was on the phone to Dr. Dario Santini of the Kido Ecological Research Station (http://www.kido-projects.com), located on the island of Carriacou. He was making sure that everything was arranged. This arrangement was something we would find out about in a little while. We jumped into the diveboat, with its twin 75 hp engines and within minutes arrived at the beach area where the local fishermen were talking with Dario. A beautiful Hawksbill Turtle was on the sand in the shade. It had 2 tags in each of its front flippers (wh 272 and wh 273) for identification later on. We learned that yesterday, local fishermen caught this turtle along with 2 other Hawksbills. Unfortunately, 2 of the turtles had died, and in front of us on the sand was the only survivor. We were reminded that it’s legal to catch and sell turtles in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines for meat. So, Dario paid the fishermen the market price they would have received if they?? d sold it for meat. However, Dario, with the help of J.P. was not going to eat the Hawksbill turtle, Instead, this lucky turtle was going to be released back into the ocean.

Dario pointed out that the turtle was probably between 20 – 25 years of age and yet it had not reached sexual maturity. This means it had not started to reproduce and have young – that would not start until the animal was 35 years of age. We were also reminded of the many challenges turtles have to deal with before reaching that age – pollution, habitat loss, colliding with ship’s propellers, being caught in fishing nets all realistic hazards that have contributed to the decline of the marine Turtle population. Wrapping up the discussion and answering a few questions of the local fishermen, Dario thanked them for calling to let him know they had a live turtle. When the local fishermen bring back a live turtle, they have agreed to call volunteers, rather than bring it directly to market. The volunteers in turn make all the necessary arrangements – both payment and transportation. J.P is an integral part of the network of volunteers as he provides the needed transportation. So far this year, he has helped release more than 25 turtles.

Dario and J.P skillfully picked up the 80 lb turtle and carried it to the dive boat. The rescue team quickly jumped in behind, careful not to have our feet too close to the reptile?? s mouth. Their teeth are sharp and their bite is nasty. Within 15 minutes, we were about 5 nm offshore when the boat came to a sudden stop. J.P.’s work mate, Bongo, carefully but swiftly hoisted the turtle to the edge of the boat. After a few pictures, this incredible ancient-looking reptile was released into the ocean. It wasted no time at the surface and instead just dove straight down into the deep. It was safely back home.

J.P. talked about what to look for when a turtle first enters the water after its release. If its lungs have water in them or they are too stressed from handling, they are unable to dive and then will not survive. However, today’s release was a success. And it was incredible to be apart of something so significant. On the ride back, skimming on top of the waves, we all sat quietly with smiles on our faces, happy to have made a difference.