Turtle Martinique

All you need to know about the Martinique sea turtle

The Martinique sea turtle is a threatened species found in the Caribbean Sea. Turtles can be identified by their black and green shell. They typically measure around 60 cm in length and weigh about 45 kg. They are found in shallow waters, where they feed on seagrass and algae.

The Martinique sea turtle is important for the environment as it helps maintain healthy seagrass beds. They also play a role in maintaining ecosystem balance. For example, sea urchins can multiply and damage seagrass if there are no turtles to eat them.

Turtles are also important to humans. They are an essential element of local culture and maritime tourism. Caribbean residents have considered turtles as symbols of fertility and luck for centuries.

The different species of turtles in Martinique

The different species of turtles found in Martinique are the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the leatherback turtle, and the loggerhead turtle. The Martinique green turtle is the most common species, followed by the hawksbill turtle. The loggerhead turtle is the least common.

Each of these species has its own characteristics. The green turtle is the largest of the three and can weigh up to 250 kg. It is also the slowest and prefers to live in deep waters. The hawksbill turtle is smaller than the green turtle and can weigh up to 100 kg. It swims quickly and lives in both shallow and deep waters. The loggerhead turtle is larger than the hawksbill turtle but smaller than the green sea turtle. It is the only species that prefers to live in freshwater, which it enters through estuaries.

What is the turtle nesting period in Martinique?

The turtle nesting period in Martinique extends from April to October. The nesting period is followed by a winter rest period from November to March. During this rest period, turtles travel long distances around the Caribbean Sea without feeding. Females return to their nesting site every 2 or 3 years, depending on the turtle species, and lay 20 to 80 eggs per trip.

The female digs a hole with her hind flippers and then begins laying eggs. Typically, she lays 25 to 60 eggs at a time. She then covers the hole with sand before returning to the sea.

Turtles usually come to Martinique between February and November when food is abundant, making it easy to spot them. Nesting mainly occurs at night, under the moonlight, between April and November.

Where to see turtles in Martinique

If you want to see turtles in Martinique, there are a few places you can go. The most common place to see them is on Grande Anse D’Arlet beach. There is also a small turtle sanctuary in the town of Trois Ilets.

The most common species in Martinique, the green turtle, can often be seen swimming in the shallow coastal waters between Anse Mitan and Anse Cafard. When they are young, they are mainly found in shallow waters, but as they grow older, they spend more time in deep water. They feed on seagrass and algae.

The hawksbill turtle prefers the more sheltered bays of Carbet or François, while seeing a loggerhead turtle is rare; they are usually found between 30 and 100 meters deep off the coast of Martinique.

How to observe a Martinique turtle?

If you are lucky, you may spot one of the sea turtles that frequent the waters of Martinique. The easiest way to see them is to take a Martinique turtle excursion, which is often offered from Anse à l’âne, these excursions typically last about two hours and give you the chance to see the turtles swimming.

Turtle protection in Martinique

Martinique is home to two protected areas for turtles: one for green turtles and another for hawksbill turtles. The Martinique Biosphere Reserve, which covers adjacent terrestrial and marine areas, also houses these turtles.

Martinique is part of the French Committee for the Conservation of Marine Turtles. The Committee was founded in 1985 by people interested in the conservation of marine turtles. Its mission is to study and protect endangered species. Its actions focus on research, education, and monitoring of marine turtles in the Caribbean.