Turtle slauthered and sold

We regret that 2004 is a very sad year for the turtles on our island.
One brutal slaughtering was reported to the police, as well as to the justice Department. No actions were taken. This proves clearly that marine live protection lacks polital will and lacks respect from the govenment for the local laws.

Beginning December, we released below press information:

Foundation Reef Care Curacao reports the brutish slaughter of a sea turtle in exchange of a bottle of rum, in October 2004. The law is clear: it is not allowed to catch, to deal in, to own, etc. sea turtles. Any offense of these provisions is a crime.

After two months of phoning with and inquiring after, Government disappointed Reef Care in the extreme. Whether this offense was brought in action eventually, is still unknown. Both offender and receiver as well as witnesses have been denounced. Are acts being executed or not? Are we talking of arbitrariness or political opportunism? Reef Care officially represents WIDECAST on Curacao and takes its responsibility seriously.

Fortunately, many people expressed their dismay, which still shows sound ideas and standards. Also the positive information about the studies and actions on Bonaire and Jan Baselmans’ postage stamp provide awareness on behalf of the responsibility towards these very fragile sea animals. Besides ecological arguments, there are economic reasons that allege why rules have to be maintained and observed. It is clear to organizations like CDOA, CHATA, CTB and Unique Curaçao, that a fit underwater world is, for many tourists, one of the main reasons to come to Curacao.

In order to manifest their disappointment about the assassination of the turtle, neighbors requested Reef Care to produce a memorial sign. We therefore appeal to all citizens with a view to the support of both materials and money. Reef Care also looks for manufacturing volunteers. Reef Care is easily attainable thru Alarm Phone 569-2099 or E-mail: info@reefcare.org.

\With this action Reef Care hopes to re-activate the Turtle Project Group, that is concerned about the Curacao sea turtle population and works on the monitoring of breeding places during the seasons.

The sea and its inhabitants is the responsibility of all of us and again, Reef Care really hopes that, in spite of everything, your response plus a consequent follow up take a positive turn.