Early nesting numbers for Hawksbill and Green Turtles have declined this season, though the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) anticipates a rebound in the months ahead, according to Antigua Observer.
Antigua Marine Conservation Program Coordinator Joshel Wilson confirmed that beach patrols are now underway across Antigua, with Barbuda conducting its own separate monitoring efforts.
"We're beginning to start the Hawksbill and Green nesting season, so patrols are going to be happening," Wilson said. "Sadly, some of the turtles have kind of declined in their early nesting periods, but we're hoping that it will pick up sometime later this month to the period of November."
Wilson noted that the early-season decline is not unusual and that nesting numbers are typically expected to build as the season progresses.
He is urging residents who frequent local beaches to report any turtle activity directly to the EAG, including sightings of turtle crawls or nests. "If you see a turtle crawl, if you see a nest or something like that, if you think that something is going to affect it, you can reach out to us," Wilson said.
Reports can be submitted through the EAG's turtle hotline, email, or social media pages, with contact details available on the organisation's website.
The EAG is also expanding its data collection through a new partnership with Rotary. The initiative invites fishers, yachties, and other marine users to submit citizen science reports on wildlife sightings, including turtles, sharks, dolphins, and whales.
