World Status, Exploitation and Trade - WIDECAST

GUYANATHREATSReichart et al (198A) consider the intensive harvest of eggs and adults tobe detrimental to nesting populations. Schulz (1982) reported that theslaughter of females in 1976 continued at the near-100% level reported byPritchard in 1964-1965. Dalfelt (1978) reported on plans for large-scalesand-mining operations on Shell Beach, for the cement industry; the presentsituation in this regard is unknown.EXPLOITATIONCommodity Turtles are heavily exploited for meat and eggs. E. imbricatais also eaten with apparently little ill-effect (Pritchard and Trebbau,1984).Hunting intensity It is thought that virtually every turtle nesting inGuyana is killed and probably all the eggs are harvested (Reichart et al .1984; Pritchard, pers . comm. , 1986). Twenty-six turtle carcases, thought tobe E. imbricata . were seen on a beach during an aerial survey in 1982(Reichart et al. . 1984).Hunting methods Female turtles are caught on the nesting beaches, andimmature turtles are caught accidentally off shore in trawl nets. A Libyanfishing company which operated shrimp trawlers off Guyana was known to belanding immature turtles which were brought ashore for stuffing(P.C.H. Pritchard pers. comm., 1986).International trade Guyana acceded to CITES on 27 May 1977. The onlytrade in turtle products with Guyana recorded in CITES Annual Reports wasthe import to the USA of six shells of C. mydas and two of Cheloniidae.Japanese Customs reports recorded the import of 27 kg of bekko from Guyanain 1966, and no other turtle products from 1950 to 1986.LEGISLATIONThere are no regulations affecting sea turtles beyond the control of importsand exports as required under CITES (Fuller and Swift, 1985).216