Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis - WIDECAST

CEP Technical Report No. 17
Diana Honebrink, a Peace Corps Volunteer and environmental studies teacher at Cayon,
Molineux, and Estridge Primary Schools in St. Kitts explained the WIDECAST Sea Turtle
Recovery Action Plan to her students and asked them to participate in the development of this
Plan by interviewing parents and friends about sea turtles. The information was gathered informally
and is presented below as the children submitted it to Mrs. Honebrink. It is clear from the
information provided that sea turtles, particularly leatherbacks, supplement the diet of residents
in villages along the Atlantic coast. The turtles are killed while nesting and the eggs are generally
(but not always) taken.
INTERVIEW ON SEA TURTLES
Eustace Berkley
Grade 6A, Cayon Primary, 5 October 1992
Interviewee: "Lucky", Keys Village
* * *
Q: How many times did you go turtle hunting for the past 12 months A: About six times.
Q: How many turtles did you catch for the past 12 months A: I caught 12 turtles.
Q: When was the last time you caught a turtle A: Since last year.
Q: What time of day or night was it A: In the day.
Q: How did you go about capturing or killing the turtle A: Go in front and chop off its neck.
Q: Did you catch any turtle for the first time A: No.
Q: How many did you catch for the second time A: Around three turtles.
INTERVIEW ON SEA TURTLES
Shawna Gilbert
Grade 6A, Cayon Primary, October 1992
Interviewee: Arnold Benjamin, Ottleys Village
* * *
Q: How many times did you go turtle hunting for the past twelve months A: Six months.
Q: How many turtles did you catch for the past 12 months A: Three turtles.
Q: When was the last time you caught a turtle A: In June.
Q: What time of day or night was it A: 11:00 pm.
Q: What did you use the shell for A: To make jewelry.
Q: How does the turtle meat taste A: Like beef or pork.
Q: What do turtles eat A: Grass and conchs.
Q: Are the turtles hard to catch A: Yes. Sometimes you have to hunt all night.
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