Notification of Procedures for Resuscitation of Turtles (L.N. No. 194 of 1999)

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO www.legalaffairs.gov.tt 16 [S ubsldlury Chap. 67:51 Fisheries 194/1999. NOTIFICATION OF I'ROCEDURES FOR RESUSCITATION OF TURTLES made under regulation 8(a) ofthe Fisheries (Conservation ofMarine Turtles) Regulations IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred on the Minister under regu lation 8(a) of the Fisheries (Conservation of Marine Turtles) Regulations, 1994, Legal Not ice No. 65 of 1994, the Minister hereby gives Notice of the procedure for resusci tation of turtles. PIWCEDURE FOR RESUSCITATION OF TURTLES 1. Any marine turtle captured accidentally by commercial shrimp trawlers must be handled in a manner to prevent injury to live active specimens prior to release, or observed for activity, resuscitated and returned to the water according to the followi ng procedures: (a) marine turt les that are dead or actively moving must be released over the stern of the boat and when they are released (i) trawls must not be in use; (ii) engine gears must be in ne utral position; and (iii) the release must be in areas where recapture or injury by vessels is unlikely; (h) resuscitation must be attempted on marine turtle s that are comatose or inactive, but not dead, by (i) placing the turtle on its back (carapace) and pumping its breastplate (plastron) with hand or foot; or (ii) placing the turtle on its breastplate (plastron) and elevating its hindquarter several inches for a period of 1 to 24 hours . (The degree uf elevation to be determined by the size of the turtle with greater elevations being needed for larger turtles); (iii) placing the turtles being res usci tated under shade and keeping them wet or moist ; UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2009 LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS Fisheries Nouflcuston ()I Procedures for Resu sctuuuni vI Turtles www.legalaffairs.gov.tt Chap. 67:51 17 [Subsldlury] (c) turtles which are successfully revived and become active as well as those which fail to respond within several hours (up to 24 hours) must be released according to procedures outlined in paragraph (a). 2. Any marine turtle captured accidentally by a commercial shrimp trawler must not be consumed, sold, offered for sale, landed, off-loaded , trans-shipped, or kept below deck. L R.O. J1201J6 UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2009