Sandy Point closed to the public as turtle nesting season begins

ST. CROIX - Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public through the end of August for turtle nesting season.

The refuge is closed during this season every year to protect the nests and hatchlings of the endangered leatherback sea turtle.

Although these turtles begin nesting in late February and March each year, the first hatchlings typically emerge from their nests during April and will continue to emerge through August, according to a statement the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service released.

"During the hatching process, baby leatherback turtles remain just below the surface of the sand before they emerge at sunset and begin their journey to the water," the release states. "It is impossible for visitors to know where hatchlings are located below the surface of the sand. Unsupervised human activity on the beach can be disastrous. A single footstep over the hatchlings can kill those near the surface."

The release notes that while closing the beaches can be a major inconvenience, it is "an important tool in managing this disappearing species."

All species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered, which means that if measures are not taken now to protect and manage sea turtles, they could become extinct, the release said. Since 1995, Sandy Point has closed seasonally from April through August to help protect hatchlings.

The Sandy Point Turtle Watch Program takes students, youths and community groups to the wildlife refuge during the seasonal closure to observe nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings. The program is closely supervised and coordinated with research teams, so as not to disturb the turtles, according to the release.

Reservations for groups of 15 to 25 people can be made by calling the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge Turtle Watch Program at 690-9452.

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/sandy-point-closed-to-the-public-as-turtle-nesting-season-begins-1.1467209