(CMR) The Department of Environment (DoE) said a poaching attempt was intercepted by Conservation Officer Chadd Bush last Saturday night in Grand Cayman. The large nesting Green Turtle was reportedly flipped on her back with her flippers tied with rope.
The DoE said its post-graduate researchers, Joe Roche and Alessandra Bielli (who assist the department for the season and monitor the 24-hour Turtle Hotline), also responded to the call to examine the turtle and ensure she was uninjured before releasing her back to sea.
Officer Chadd was previously recognized with the Deputy Governor's Employee of the Year Award for his dedication to night-time turtle protection. Without him, another turtle would have been lost to illegal poaching, the DoE stated.
“We would like to thank Chadd, the Turtle Team, and all of the DoE's dedicated Conservation Officers for protecting these endangered turtles who are symbols of the heritage of the Cayman Islands,” The DoE stated on its Facebook page.
Persons who see or hear about poaching are encouraged to call enforcement immediately – day or night – on 916-4271 (GC) / 925-3647 (CB) / 925-7625 (LC) or call 911.
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