WILLEMSTAD – Concern is growing over the increasing harassment and harmful feeding of sea turtles at Playa Piskadó in Westpunt. A group of concerned citizens and environmentalists is raising the alarm, calling for stricter enforcement of regulations and greater public awareness.
Despite legal protection for sea turtles in Curaçao's territorial waters and bays, many visitors continue to ignore these rules. Both tourists and locals feed the turtles in ways that disrupt their natural behavior and threaten their health. As key players in the marine ecosystem, sea turtles are globally recognized as endangered species, making their protection even more critical.
According to the petition, the issue extends beyond simple rule violations—it is also a matter of insufficient oversight and public awareness. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the turtles' natural habitat and improve their chances of survival.
Initiator Bryan Horne is urging people to treat the turtles with respect, advising against feeding or approaching them in ways that cause distress. He is also calling on authorities to enforce stricter regulations while encouraging the public to take responsibility for protecting these marine creatures. Horne emphasizes that by working together and following the rules, Curaçao’s natural environment can be preserved for future generations.
The petition, addressed to the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN), has already gathered 1,345 signatures.