Turtle Roadshow – Coming to A Port Near You
The Scottish Turtle Roadshow was launched at the end of February, and is currently touring a number of fishing harbours around the coast of Scotland, in an attempt to raise awareness of these important creatures, and encourage sea-goers to report any turtle encounters.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are funding the roadshow, which is being organised and run by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Peter Richardson of MCS, said “Little is known about the ecology of leatherback turtles while they visit Scottish waters, so we hope to make more people aware of these exotic visitors. If we receive more reports of turtles spotted in Scotland’s seas, then we will begin to find out more about them and have a better understanding of their conservation needs.”
There are seven species of marine turtle altogether, and four of these have been recorded in Scottish waters. Of particular interest because of its scarcity, is the leatherback turtle. They breed on tropical beaches throughout the world, but regularly visit Scottish waters, to feed on the abundant supplies of jellyfish. They are the largest of the marine turtle and can grow to almost 3 metres in length, and weigh up to nine hundred kilograms – they are often mistaken for upturned rowing boats, when seen drifting in the ocean!
Turtles are fully protected in British waters through European law, and they also have their own Species Action Plan – this is being implemented by a number of organisations, including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), and the roadshow aims to help implement this Action Plan.
The roadshow will visit Skye and the Western Isles from 27th May until 10th June, and will raise the profile of turtles to all marine users, explain to fishermen what they should do if they find a turtle entangled in their gear, and promote the UK Turtle Code, which gives information on how to report sightings and strandings. For further information on turtles or the Roadshow, contact MCS on 01989 566017, or log on to www.mcsuk.org