A hefty fine and prison time are awaiting those behind the recent excavation works at Turtle Beach, which led to the destruction of a nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles.
And the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is assuring it will leave no stone unturned to determine who is responsible and bring them to justice.
The Authority is renewing its call for the public’s help in discovering exactly who are the perpetrators.
“Critical to the investigative process is determining the person or persons who authorized the excavation works on Turtle Beach and the owner/operator of the excavator,” the EMA said in a release today, following a joint agency site visit.
The EMA is reminding the public that leatherback turtles are designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) and are protected under the Environmental Management Act Chap. 35:05 and other pieces of legislation.
“Knowingly or recklessly conducting any activity which will adversely impact the ESS is in contravention of Section 70(2) of the Environmental Management Act Chap. 35:05, which carries a penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of $100,000,” the EMA warns.
To aid in the investigation, the EMA is urging members of the public to provide any evidence related to the excavation works, and says all information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence. Reports can be made via:
● EMA Hotline at 367-8824. Submit contact information, locations, photos or video recordings ONLY from mobile devices. WhatsApp calls are not available on this service.
● Email, at complaints@ema.co.tt
● Phone, at 226-4EMA (4362) Ext #5