St. Maart: New leatherbacks

GUANA BAY -- The first leatherback sea turtle hatchlings for the year headed out to the ocean on Saturday night. The nest on the Guana Bay beach, first thought to be that of a hawksbill turtle, came alive with activity after 9:00pm. Leatherback sea turtles are an endangered species.

The Nature Foundation was alerted to the hatching by staff of Boardroom and Jazz Club, which borders the beach. It was noted as a fitting day for the hatchlings to make their first journey to the ocean, as Saturday was World Environment Day and was being observed under the theme "Wanted! Seas and Oceans: Dead or Alive?"

Andy Caballero of the foundation said because the nesting turtle had not been spotted, but only the nest after she had laid her eggs, it was hard to tell what turtle had laid. Another leatherback nest, in which case the turtle was observed nesting, is located on Simpson Bay beach and was thought to be the first such nest for the year.

Still another nest, located on Guana Bay beach, should be ready for hatching by the end of next month. Persons interested in monitoring the beach can contact the foundation at Dock Maarten or call 542-0267.