High praise as DoE officer rescues nesting turtle from poachers

A nesting green sea turtle escaped certain death on Saturday after being rescued by conservation officer Chadd Bush from poachers on Grand Cayman.

The Department of Environment, in a post on its official Facebook page, commended Bush for his efforts that ensured the mature female turtle made it safely back into the ocean.

The poaching attempt was intercepted by the DoE conservation officer on Saturday night in Grand Cayman.

“The large nesting Green Turtle was flipped on her back with her flippers tied with rope. The DoE’s post-graduate researchers, Joe Roche and Alessandra Bielli (who assist the department for the season and monitor the 24 hour Turtle Hotline), also responded to the call to examine the turtle and ensure she was uninjured before releasing her back to sea,” the DoE wrote.

Bush has received praise for his efforts from the DoE and the community.

“Great work! Such a shame that so many people don’t respect the laws designed to protect the very things that make Cayman the gem it is,” one commenter said.

The DoE said Bush had previously been recognised with the Deputy Governor’s ‘Employee of the Year Award’ for his dedication to night-time turtle protection.

“Without him, another turtle would have been lost to illegal poaching. We would like to thank Chadd, the Turtle Team and all of the DoE’s dedicated Conservation Officers for protecting these endangered turtles who are symbols of the heritage of the Cayman Islands,” the DoE said.

This is the second such poaching incident highlighted by the DoE in recent weeks.

Though this green sea turtle made a lucky escape, a nesting loggerhead turtle on the Brac was not as fortunate.

The turtle was taken from a beach on Cayman Brac as she came out of the water to nest and she was not recovered.

Poaching remains one of the greatest threats to local turtles and local marine life. Turtle nesting season, when the reptiles leave the sea to climb onto beaches to lay their eggs, typically runs from May to November.

It is at this time that the turtles are even more vulnerable and require additional protection, not just from DoE officers, but the community at large.

Poachers can face hefty fines and imprisonment, if convicted.

The department continues to appeal to the public to help keep the turtles safe.

“If you see or hear about poaching please call enforcement immediately – day or night – on 916-4271 (GC) / 925-3647 (CB) / 925-7625 (LC) or call 911,” the DoE post stated.