Marine turtles are threatened with extinction
at a worldwide level. In French Guiana they
have been fully protected by law since 1991,
and this is why there are many rules and
guidelines to be respected.
Coastal development brings lights, camera
flashes, traffic, and activity to the nesting
beach, and these can have a very negative
impact on marine turtles.
Under natural conditions, turtles orient themselves
to the bright, open horizon of the sea :
artificial lights and disrespectful behavior
from some visitors create an inconvenience
that can have several consequences, such as:
> dissuading marine turtles from coming
ashore and encouraging them to turn back
without laying their eggs
> disrupting and even interrupting the nesting
process, including shortening the time
dedicated to camouflaging the nest
> disorienting egg-laden females, as well as
hatchlings, which can increase the risk of
death by exhaustion, dehydration and predation
Inside this brochure you will find some advice
on how to reduce this impact, and on how to
observe a marine turtle without making a
disturbance.