SVGEF Sea Turtle Project in Action for 2025

11.07.25

SVGEF sea turtle monitor observing a nesting leatherback returning to sea.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) has officially launched the fourth year of its Sea Turtle Monitoring Project. This national conservation effort runs from April through November and is focused on protecting leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles during their nesting seasons. The 2025 season began with a training session at the Forestry Headquarters, where new and returning monitors came together with representatives from the Forestry Department, Fisheries Services, and National Parks. This annual training ensures that monitors are fully equipped to collect accurate nesting data, patrol beaches safely at night, and respond to threats without disturbing the turtles or their habitat.

Group photo of the training session held at the Forestry departments headquarters

SVGEF sea turtle monitors patrol Colonaire Beach

Following the training, night and day patrols started at 5 beaches including Brighton Bay, Diamond, Black Point, Colonaire, and Big Sands in Sandy Bay (in partnership with the Fisheries Services). These patrols allowed monitors to put their training into practice by identifying tracks, recording nesting activity, and helping to prevent illegal poaching of turtles and their eggs. In May, the team began recording high numbers of leatherback nests compared to data from previous years which is a positive outlook for sea turtle conservation in SVG.

Then in June, as hawksbill and green turtle nesting season began, the project expanded to cover 11 beaches throughout the country adding Questelles, Richmond, Wallibou, Mt.Wynne and Princess Margaret (Bequia). This inclusion of monitoring for the project in Bequia is a first and a welcome addition to our national coverage of sea turtles in SVG . The monitoring team continues to collect important data, protect nests, and support the survival of hatchlings, while particularly addressing illegal poaching activities and thwarting efforts.

SVGEF & Fisheries sea turtle monitors collect data from a nesting leatherback on patrol of Big Sands beach in Sandy Bay

The presence of our monitors on the beaches is crucial. They help ensure that these endangered species are protected from both human threats and natural predators. Some of our monitors have been part of the project since 2022, while others are new to the team this year bringing their own past experiences from various backgrounds, including the St.Vincent Police Force, scuba divers and beach caretakers. All are committed to the shared goal of protecting sea turtles in the waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Now in its fourth year, the SVGEF Sea Turtle Monitoring Project continues to grow in scope and impact. With strong partnerships and support from local communities, we remain focused on ensuring that future generations can witness the return of these remarkable creatures to our shores.