Ascension : GUIDELINES FOR WATCHING GREEN TURTLES
Submitted by The Islander (Jacqui Ellick) 13.01.2005 (Article Archived on 27.01.2005)

It has come to that time of year again when Green Turtles are back on Ascension Island nesting.

We try to encourage people who want to watch nesting turtles to go with a turtle guide to the beach, as it causes minimum disturbance to the turtles coming up to nest.

If you do go on your own, these guidelines are to be adhered too.

1.     Always use minimum torch light, turtle watching is best on a moonlit night

2.     Look for fresh turtle tracks, follow the tracks carefully and quietly to locate the turtle.

3.     Avoid approaching turtles until they are well under way with their nest excavation. The earlier in the nesting process the easier the turtle is disturbed. When the turtle is laying (sitting still after a long period of throwing sand) you can approach her quietly and use minimum torch light to observe both her and her eggs.

4.     Avoid excessive noise or sudden movements.

5.     It is best never to touch a turtle while nesting and certainly no-one should ride on a turtles back.

6.     Only use flash photography when a turtle is laying her eggs and take pictures from her rear or side to avoid blinding and disorientating her, especially when she is returning to the sea.

Thank you for your co-operation.

J Ellick