The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) has issued a public advisory alerting residents and visitors to the imminent arrival of leatherback sea turtles along the shores of Antigua and Barbuda for the critical 2026 nesting period. This conservation organization emphasizes the necessity of community involvement in monitoring these endangered marine creatures during their reproductive cycle.
Citizens are being mobilized as environmental stewards to report any indications of sea turtle presence, including: nesting females, visible egg clutches, distinctive track patterns on beaches, or emerging hatchlings. The EAG has established a dedicated reporting channel, directing observations to their office at telephone number 462-6236.
Critical guidelines have been disseminated to ensure minimal human disruption to these vulnerable species. The public is strongly advised to maintain considerable distance from nesting turtles and strictly refrain from using photographic flashes during nocturnal hours, as artificial illumination can severely disorient both adult turtles and offspring, potentially jeopardizing their survival.
The conservation group further advocates for active public participation in educational outreach, urging community members to disseminate awareness information and bolster preservation initiatives designed to safeguard these threatened marine animals throughout this biologically significant season. This collective effort represents a crucial component of broader wildlife protection strategies in the Caribbean region.