Two arrested in suspected Tobago turtle poaching

Two men have been arrested after wildlife officers allegedly found a dead sea turtle, turtle meat and turtle eggs during an enforcement operation at Lambeau Beach, Tobago.

The Department of Natural Resources and Forestry said the arrests were made around 9 am on Thursday after officers discovered what they believe were the remains of a sea turtle and eggs unlawfully removed from a nesting site.

The matter remains under investigation.

Sea turtles are protected under Trinidad and Tobago law and are listed as Environmentally Sensitive Species under the Environmental Management Act. Anyone convicted of hunting, killing, possessing or selling sea turtles or their eggs can face a fine of up to $100,000, two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The department urged the public to report wildlife crimes to its officers or the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.