I saw people at Public Beach recently pick up a turtle that was trying to come in presumably to lay eggs. Only when I said something to them did they put it down and leave it alone, but the turtle then swam back out and didn’t come back. Would you remind people that live and visit here that should they see turtles on the beach that it is against the law to pet or pick them up?

Cayman National Bank

Ask Auntie sponsor

Auntie’s answer: I am glad you asked this question. I thought it best to leave the response to an expert, so I checked with Janice Blumenthal, a research officer with the Department of Environment (DoE) whose focus is on sea turtles.

Yes, you are right, of course, that it is against the law to pick up a turtle or, more generally, “to take, disturb or harass a sea turtle in the wild”. The DoE explains on its website: “Disruption of natural behaviours on beaches and at sea can prevent mating, laying eggs, feeding, and resting – threatening turtle populations and reducing the likelihood of potential future encounters.”

Ms Blumenthal cautioned to steer clear of turtles nesting. “One of the most vulnerable stages in a sea turtle’s life cycle is the time she spends on shore laying eggs,” she said. “If you see a turtle on the beach laying eggs at night, maintain a distance of at least 30 feet from the turtle. Do not use flashlights or take flash photos; these will disturb the turtle and may cause her to abandon her nesting attempt.”

A few other warnings: “Do not approach mating turtles. If they are disturbed, they may abandon their mating attempt. Do not disturb feeding or resting turtles of any size. Approach all turtles slowly and move away if they show signs of distress. Never chase, catch or grab turtles.”

The DoE also offers advice on its website on the best way to observe turtles without disturbing them as well as a “Guide to Sea Turtle Encounters”.

Anyone who sees an injured or dead turtle is asked to call the DoE turtle hotline at 938-NEST. And anyone who is observed disturbing a turtle should be reported to the DoE’s chief conservation officer at 916-4271. Otherwise, the department suggests calling 911.