Despite laws protecting sea turtles in most countries, the illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells of turtles continues to be a major threat to their survival. These animals are harvested for their meat and eggs which are used for human consumption and in some places are considered a delicacy. In many countries, the trade in turtle eggs is a big industry that provides income to many people.
In many coastal communities, especially in Central America and Asia, sea turtles are considered a food source. During the nesting season, hunters comb the beaches at night looking for nesting females. Often, they will wait until the female has deposited her eggs to kill her. Then, they take both the eggs and meat.
Others customarily consumed sea turtle meat in observance of religious holidays. For example, in Mexico, thousands of inland residents journey to Pacific coastal communities during the week preceding Easter in search of sea turtles and other seafood. During this short period of time, as many as 5,000 turtles are consumed in this region alone. Additionally, people may use other parts of the turtle for products, including the oil, cartilage, skin and shell.
In 2016 a man was caught poaching freshly laid turtle eggs on the beaches of Jupiter Island Florida. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on a third-degree felony charge for endangering the protected species. His alleged crime is punishable by up to five years in prison, according to officials, and a fine of up to $5,000. This is not just a foreign problem to turtles but is happening right here on the east coast of Florida!
About this cache:
This is an ammo can... Enough said. There is plenty of room for trade items!
Stay off the dunes and CITO!
This is the second cache in the 10 part Turtle Trek Series