Made our first complete morning patrol today and what a depressing experience it was. The situation on the beaches has deteriorated so much that right now, before the first turtle has appeared, it seems an utterly hopeless task.
On the western coast what used to be suitable habitat for turtles has been turned into a virtual racetrack. The entire length of Algodoeiro has been driven over so much during the winter that the sand has been compacted and is now rock hard. I tried to dig at the far northern part (the highest density nesting zone in 2008) but was completely unable to get more than a few centimeters down. I am at a loss to see how any turtle will be able to dig a nest there.
One of the problems is the Paradise Beach fence and the ditches in front of Cabocan which have severely restricted access at the rear of the beaches.
We will continue our campaign to dissuade people from driving on the beach and attempt to replace the barriers and signs that have been removed but I also appeal to all of you to help us in whatever way you can. The situation is so much worse now that I fear we will very soon have no turtle habitat left on the west coast of Sal.
What a great start.....
Posts
god !!! just read the report...sorry jacquie...dont know what to say. gutted
ReplyDelete