Today, we celebrate World Turtle Day! Barbados’ waters is host to three of the seven species of sea turtle: the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is also the largest species.
The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) (left), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) (middle), and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) (right). Photo credits: NOAA Fisheries.
These marine reptiles are important for marine ecosystems, with some feeding on algae, keeping our coral reefs clear, and providing nutrients for our beach through their unhatched eggs and the eggshells. Their ecosystem services support the habitats where commercially valuable fish species feed, breed, and grow. Of course, many people also travel to Barbados to see these ancient and majestic creatures, and their impact on the economy must not be overlooked.
While sea turtles spend most of their lives at sea, females return to land, particularly the beach where they were born, to lay their own eggs. They can lay anywhere between 50-200 eggs, however, survival to adulthood is low, with research pointing to only 1 in 1,000 reaching this stage (Hays, Laloë and Shimada).
The protection of these species is therefore critical. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Green turtle is of Least Concern, the hawksbill turtle is critically endangered and the leatherback is vulnerable, however, all of their populations are decreasing. Through Barbados' Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act 2025, any physical exploitation of sea turtles is therefore prohibited.
With this in mind, let us continue to celebrate and protect these wonderful creatures!
Cover photo credit: Fauna & Flora