World Status, Exploitation and Trade - WIDECAST

NEW CALEDONIAHunting methods Some turtles are caught during rare visits to thenesting beaches while others are taken in the waters surrounding theinhabited islands.Historical trends Apart from occasional visits by ships, there is noevidence of any exploitation of turtles other than the traditionalsubsistence use.Domestic trade There is reported to be no trade in turtle meat, allbeing used for subsistence and traditional purposes. Carapaces areoccasionally sold to tourists but this is illegal and is usually stopped(Pritchard, 1987a).International trade New Caledonia is an Overseas Territory of France andis included in its approval of CITES (11 May 1978). CITES Annual Reportscontain no reference to any trade in turtle products involving New Caledonia.Fijian Customs statistics (q.v.) report the export of small quantities ofworlced tortoiseshell to New Caledonia in 1970 and 1973-1976, and the importof slightly greater quantities from New Caledonia from 1981 to 1983.LEGISLATIONOrdinance No. 220, 3 August 1977.The capture of all species of turtle is prohibited from 1 November to31 March, Inclusive. This may be waived under special dispensation forthe purposes of traditional feasts and ceremonies.Collection of turtle eggs is totally prohibited. The sale of mountedturtles and turtle shells is prohibited (came into effect 3 February1978). [This regulation was superseded in 198S].Deliberation No. 17 du 16 julllet 1985 portant r6glementatlon de la captureet de la commercialisation des tortues marines.Prohibits the destruction of sea turtle nests and the removal,possession and sale of turtle eggs.Prohibits the import, export, sale and purchase for commercial purposesof live or dead turtles and all turtle products. The collection ofturtle eggs and export of turtle products may be permitted for thepurposes of scientific research and conservation.The capture of all sea turtles is prohibited between 1 November and31 March except under special permits issued for traditional ceremonies.383