Cayman free diver wants to see free turtles

| 01/02/2013

tanya petition (214x300).jpg(CNS): Local free diving star Tanya Streeter has joined the campaign to end the farming of endangered sea turtles in Cayman and was with representatives from the World Society for the Protection of Animals when they handed in apetition with 144,000 signatures to the Cayman government this week. The free dive world champion and world record holder has also spoken out against the Cayman Turtle Farm, which is currently housing around 7,000 endangered sea turtles in cramped, unhealthy and diseased conditions. The WSPA was visiting Cayman to pick up a report commissioned by the CTF following the charity's own findings about the problems at the attraction and to talk with management and government about changing the facility from a farm to a real conservation facility.

Although that goal continues to find little support among officials in Cayman, the campaigners have at least made the CTF management address some of the major animal welfare issues at the facility. As well as finally admitting that disease and health problems exist among the captive population, the CTF has begun the process of recruiting a vet.

The WSPA is not only pressing for better welfare conditions but to transition the facility into a fully-fledged conservation centre. However, as the ultimate goal of the Cayman Turtle Farm is to produce meat as a means of discouraging people from poaching turtles from the wild, the charity is up against significant opposition.

During a year-long undercover investigation the WSPA brought to light the extent of the problems at the CTF, from  turtles with damaged flippers and missing eyes to cannibalism in the the overcrowded, dirty tanks in which the turtles are held captive. As a result the turtles are distressed, diseased and damaged.

Streeter, a Women’s Diving Hall of Fame free-diver, who handed the petition to the CTF and government on Tuesday 29 January, said turtles should not be kept in the overcrowded, dirty, concrete tanks at the Cayman Turtle Farm.

“I grew up on the island and it was my home for a long time,” she said “Free-diving in the waters off the Cayman Islands is a beautiful experience. It is also one of the few places you can get up close and personal with the magnificent endangered green sea turtle. I’m supporting the World Society for Protection of Animals as turtles are solitary animals, and are most at home when they are swimming free in the ocean,” Streeter added.

See Streeter talk about the conditions at the CTF here

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Category: Science and Nature

About the Author ()

Comments (99)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Anonymous says:

    Look in your own backyard first

  2. Anonymous says:

    Cows are really an endangered species and are the worst animal to farm they produce twenty times more waste (crap) then a turtle does. They use three acres of land to produce food for one cow. They create alot of methane gas thats helping to cause our global warming. They are the first choice for farmers to raise and cause the tropical rainforest to be destroyed in South America and Central America. Turtle farm has no bad odor unlike cow or chicken farms. If there were no farm for cows they would be EXTINCT. Only a person who likes chicken and cattle would say different. 

    Putting police to watch the beaches to keep turtles from being poached is ludicrous. Since they would also poach the turtles also. Besides you would need more police then we have now (366)? It would have to be 24 hours seven days a week. I speak from experience. I am a retired dive instructor. I have seen instructors steal lobsters at night. So don't tell me something you have no experience in. 

    We are seeing more green sea turtles because turtles are increasing in population. It has been since the 80's that the conservation laws have been enacted. Surely it must have had some kind of impact or else why have a environmental law. These laws went global. Talk to anyone from Central America and they will tell you they have never stopped eating wild sea turtles. They are gathering more sea turtles from the wild every year. Guess what its their culture too. This war will not be won. There are more poor people struggling to pay for lifes essential services. It is only a matter of time before environmentalist get their due for trying to stop people using a better way . Try and understand without the farm things will get worse and people will pay for black market wild sea turtle meat. 

    So be warned LEAVE THE TURTLE FARM ALONE

  3. Anonymous says:

    What’s really strange is the best shore dive and most healthy reef on the island with the most fish is right in front of that farm that pumps out tons of shit. Maybe we should be spreading the turtle poop around the island

  4. Anonymous says:

    Sometimes cultural traditions have to evolve. Cayman used to have slaves, no automobiles, no supermarkets, no Air Conditioning, etc. We are able to pick and choose what traditions are important and benign, and which are unstainable and impractical. The argument that our citizens would simply turn to poaching wild turtles says that we are a nation of criminals! I don't believe this is true. We have plenty of other delicious traditional foods like Heavy Cake to remember the tastes of our childhoods and our ancestors. Sign up for the National Trust's Traditional Cooking class to discover more about our food heritage. It's more than just turtles!

    • Anonymous says:

      Not a nation of criminals but to think there are not enough people out there that would poach turtles is unrealistic. Every year they find nesting females "hog tied" in the bushes or slaughtered. And thats before the price of turtle sky rockets after the farm is closed. Id love to think you are right. Just know your not. In every country in the world there are people who will do anything for a dollar.

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Cultural traditions are what they are. They don't evolve. And don't make ridiculous comparisons to slavery.  

  5. Anonymous says:

    Guess what I had for lunch today? Heeheehee

    • Anonymous says:

      You people are something else.  The $8 million loss every year for your turtle hellhole is just one example.  Nevermind the thousands of gallons of turtle shit and rotted food it pumps into the sea every day. Somehow this is supposed to be helping you AND the turtles? Telling everyone who disagrees to go to hell is your big answer? Pathetic.

      • Anonymous says:

        The 8 mil is lost on the visitors attraction. Im sure 90 % of the people here would agree something needs to be done about the park. We dont need a water slide and money wasting facility, but to stop the production of turtle meat to sell to the restaurants is signing a death warrant on the turtle population.

  6. Anonymous says:

    So on the BBC documentary Africa there are village people living in pretty much abject poverty that have Green turtles netting on their beaches. Do they eat them…? No they conserve and protect them. And these guys have bugger all in the way of resources. Kind of puts the fat 4×4 driving locals here demanding their turtle meat to shame.

    • Anonymous says:

      Except they have no shame. 

    • Anonymous says:

      If you are starving and you are conserving turtles rather than eating them then you are an idiot. Nothing to be admired about that.

  7. Anonymous says:

    As someone from remote Papua New Guinea, I am going to go set up a human farm, so we can keep alive our heritage and culture when it comes to cannibalism.

  8. Kato says:

    What I am baffled about is that you have killer whales and dolphins at sea world, Miami sea aquarium and bush gardens. How come the wspa and ms streeter not making a fuss? Imagine a killer whale kept in a cramped tank for the rest of their lives. To me this is worst than raising turtles for meat.

    Don’t get me wrong the turtle farm needs some improvements or I will stop supporting them. However, these bullies need to go after the bigger manopoly companies and leave our national dish alone. As far as I can see, if we put and end to turtle farm that means we can’t eat anymore turtle meat. Which would mean illegal slaughter of wild turtles of all ages to meet the demands of the black market.

    • Anonymous says:

      Lots of people make a fuss about these places.  Lots of people think they are unethical.  The WSPA has, in fact, condemned Sea World.  Google away…

      • Anonymous says:

        Well they obviously have not gone after it the way they have gone after the Turtle Farm. Hypocrites.

    • Anonymous says:

      BS.

    • Anonymous says:

      what a silly argument….. its like saying we should have elephant farms because that will stop the illegal ivory trade……

      the real solution is stop the famring and enforce the laws about catching/eating turltes….

      • Caymanian Concern says:

        I agree and know that sadly if we stop feeding our lust for turtles, we will simply go back to eating up the wild ones and like the sponges and sharksand our sea population will be gone.

        Don't believe me?  Ask any employee of the National Trust and they will tell you the sad, but true history of Caymanians wiping out every single resource they (we) could.

        There used to be and abundance of Ironwood found nowhere else in the world, the tall, straight Cayman Ironwood was desired for building, see many now? Ask about the Guano industry we USED to have.  (Bird droppings for fertlizer until we killed ll the birds)

        Sharking used to be a thriving industy, until we killed all the sharks….Sponges, same thing.

        Let's face it, all of my grandparents told me of about our unquenchable lust for overfishing and warned we would run out someday…Why do you think we moved onto Honduras and beyond? To find more turtles…

        Sorry Tanya, I'm a fan of your diving and apprecaite your conservation efforts, but left alone on our own, we will kill and eat every last turtle until not one is left 

        Keep the farming and improve the sanitation!  We never needed the "political new turtle farm", but we do need the local supply to continue. 

        Sincerely,

        From: "I don't eat turtle and I don't eat reef fish local

  9. Anonymous says:

    Tanya’s own statement makes no sense. She says it one of the few places she can dive and see turtles–why, you may ask…because over the last 40 years the farm has released them into the wild. That’s why silly bobo!! Without the farm we will simply go back to catching those that she sees now out there and it 4-5 years seeing one here will be rarer than seeing a unicorn. Give me a break Tanya!

    • Diogenes says:

      Yet of all the turtles released, DOE only has evidence of 60 returning here to nest over the last decade.  What makes you think the turtles you see on the reef are the ones released?  Wishful thinking?  

      • Anonymous says:

        recheck that number 60 – it's more like 12.

      • Anonymous says:

        You may be right. there wont be any turtles left here to nest if the farming of turtle stops. sad but true

      • Anonymous says:

        If it had not been for the turtle farm those in the wild would have been fished to extinction. That is part of the point. 

    • peter milburn says:

      Just as a matter of clarity most of the turtles that one sees while diving at least from my point of view are 90%Hawksbill turtles.The odd green now and then plus ridleys and leather backs now and thenas well.PS I dive nearly every day.

      • Anonymous says:

        In my experience I would place it closer to 99% Hawksbills that are seen by divers.  In many years of leading dives here I have seen many turtles, but can count the number that were not Hawksbills on one hand.

        The Cayman Turtle Farm does not raise Hawksbill turtles for release, only greens.

      • Anonymous says:

        Peter. As someone with years of experience would you care to share your expert opinion on what may happen to the turtles in the wild if production of meat is cut off to the restaurants? You are one of the most qualified to answer and your view would be most valuable.

      • Anonymous says:

        PS u dont dive little Cayman loads of green turtles there , you should see in by Kingston Bight and boy do they taste good.

  10. Anonymous says:

    This whole idea is silly. If they close the farm we are simply going to eat every turtle showing up here to lay eggs. The DOE and friends could never have enough staff to police those returning turtles at that point. The end result will simply be worst for the turtles. Over the years the farm has released tens of thousands of turtles into the wild and will continue to do so. It is not uncommon for a diver now to see the results of that swimming around our reefs today. I guarantee by closing the farm those free oneswill be eaten also.XXXX overseas group, you are misguided- we will simply eat the wild ones. Nothing gained but something surely lost.

    • Anonymous says:

      And after you eat all the turtles, then will it stop being the ‘ national dish’. You not talkin sense.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why don't you just….I don't know….NOT eat them?  There are lots of things I like, but don't eat for various reasons to do with health and ethics.  Like veal for instance.  Or Chilean Seabass.  I'm sure you can NOT eat some things too, particularly if you are genuinely concerned about your natural heritage.

      • Anonymous says:

        Do you think its realistic that if you close the farm turtle is not going to be eaten everyone just stop now. In a perfect world maybe. Its not going to happen

        • Anonymous says:

          It is very possible to change learned behaviour.  It requires the committment of government and targeted education.  It has been done in other countries to change all kinds of habits. I am sure you don't mean to imply that Caymanians are less educable than others.    

    • anonymouse says:

      How 'bout we close down the turtle farm and release the current stock. 

      Then take $1 million of the current $8 million/year subsidy the farm receives and re-allocate it to the DOE.

      With this $1 million they could have two dedicated turtle enforcement officers employed per eight hour shift, paying $300 per shift, 24 hours per day for 365 days of the year, and still come in under the $1 million dollar budget. In fact there is enough remaining to have a third patroller on each night shift, 365 days of the year. 

      Frankly that would be $1 million well spent (on conservation and preservation and employ more Caymanians) and this idea would save the CIG $7 million per year. 

  11. Star David says:

    If there are problems with the Cayman Turtle Farm lets commit to getting them fixed. No one wants to eat diseased turtle meat, but closing the farm will only encourage poaching of wild turtles as there is obviously a market for turtle meat.   Also importantly, lets not forget that turtle meat is a traditional Caymanian dish and a part of our Culinary Culture whether you like that fcat or eat it or not. XXXX

     

     

  12. Anonymous says:

    The world needs to clamp down on this barbaric place.  The UK should be ashamed of not stepping in and closing it down.  A couple of hicks holding on to outdated "culture" is not an excuse.

    • Anonymous says:

      Your comment is very offensive.  Culture is not something to be dated and Caymanians are not hicks.  You are clearly a very prejucided and bigoted person.

      • Speedy says:

        Culture is something to be dated.  Lets take say, slavery and putting Christians into stadia with lions as examples.  And Caymanians have suffered from isolation and little islanderitis.  Any group that elects the people the Caymanians elects are fair target for calling hicks.  JuJu thinks the world is a few thousand years old.  So be offended,  if the truth offends you so be it.

        • Anonymous says:

          Would you please stop with the ridiculous comparisons with slavery already. There is no comparison whatsoever.

          We are fully aware that you are intentionally offensive to Caymanians. Please expect the same in return but of course when you get it you will be claiming we are "xenophobic".

          You and people like you are the best arguments for Rollover.   

  13. Anonymous says:

    They want locals to help kill lion fish. When the locals wasn’t even given a chance to have their culture carried on. I say go lion fish eat the baby groupers lets see what DOE next smart move will be!

  14. Whodatis says:

    The cow is the most endangered animal in this world, yet McDonalds and Buger King are two of the biggest and richest companies in this world.

    Farming enables the above contradictoriness to conveniently exist.

    Different people from different parts of the world eat different meats.

    End of story.

    • Anonymous says:

      Right…. Cows are an endangered species. Tell the world!

    • Anonymous says:

      You are technically correct, but I see it slightly differently.  Cows are not, in the present day, a species, so much as a commodity.   Sea turtles are not viewed in that way, at least not yet, not even by most Caymanians.  The sea turtle of which most Caymanians are proud is the wild one, swimming in the sea.  Your ancestors did not farm turtles.

      Domesticated animals, who breed in isolation, and in whose breeding patterns humans play a role, evolve into different species from that of their wild cousins — look at dogs, for example.  This means that thesea turtle you farm is no longer the sea turtle you claim as part of your cultural heritage.  

      Whether this is right or wrong is for you to decide, but it is important to see the distinction here.          What you are saying is that you do not feel that sea turtles have the right to exist just because they are sea turtles; rather, they must provide a commodity available for human exploitation, as do cows.  That is all fine, but realistically, the point at which we decide they are worth farming is the point at which we stop calling them part of our "heritage" and start calling them part of our gross domestic product.  You can't really have it both ways, unless you plan to start a turtle rodeo some day soon.

    • Diogenes says:

      Cow the most endangered animal on earth!  What are you smoking? 

    • Anonymous says:

      whats the point in even trying to have a rational debate about this when you come up against such nonsense….

    • Anonymous says:

      Once again Whodatis – you are sorely incorrect. Where on Earth did you get the information that supports your statement that cows are the most endangered animals on our planet? For the sake of yourself and our country, please keep your mouth shut when all you're doing is making yourself look a fool.

      • Anonymous says:

         Where do you see a wild cow running free :)? All farmed animals were once wild species, fish, chicken and cow. In most cases farmed animals live in worse( more cramped) conditions than they would have in the wild. At the end of the day attacking a several hundred year old dietary custom is not the way to go. You are going piss people off and instead having turtle once a month they are going to  eat much more regular to spite  you and or to prepare for it not being available. Neither is good for the local turtle population. Education for both sides is needed for this paradigm shift otherwise turtle meat will become the new sexy contraband. Oh yeah we need MORE money (how the hell we are going to get I don’t know!!!)  to get a separate farming facility and hire  proper scientist to study and monitor the turtle health and set up protocols for  avoiding bottlenecking the  gene pool and preventingcannibalism. Let the "fat" locals eat turtle on Thursdays, for whatever reason they want to and oh yeah it is their country after all? I keep forgetting that part…

    • Solja Crab says:

      Although I typically read (and laugh) in silence I could not but comment on this poor excuse of an elaborated fact. The cow is HARDLY an endangered species. If you doubt my statement, look up the definition of endangered. Which you probably shouldv'e, before you embarassed yourself… o_0

    • Whodatis says:

      (I wonder how long it took before some of us realized the point I was making?)

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Maybe you should be more intelligent and eloquent in attempting to make your points, because most of the time you come off as a marginally intelligent buffoon.

  15. Anonymous says:

    If the sale of turtle meat becomes unavailable then a bigger black market is created. Prices rise and the wild turtles are wiped out. Simple. The WSPA will then ne responsible through their actions for wiping out turtles in the Cayman islands. People here know what they are eating. Where it comes from. And enjoy it. At least its all turtle. No horse mixed in.

    • Anonymous says:

      or………….. the people that wiped out the wild turtles are responsible! DUH!!!  Just a little more realistic was or looking at it.

    • Anonymous says:

      Talk to me like a 3 year old.  How does the WSPA get the responsibility for YOU exterminating (that's a serious word) a species?  I want to understand.

    • Anonymous says:

      Okay, let the Cayman reptile eaters have their quaint, 18th century traditions and feel that it is they who are the exploited and oppressed.

      BUT before the 'traditionalists' get to eat their portion of an endangered species….

      Turn the CTF into a proper, humane farming and slaughter facility first, you know, the type that their children can visit and watch whilst their heritage is hacked to death, then lets see if they want to keep such a tradition going.Then remove all public subsidies, why should we pay for their dietary needs.   

      • Anonymous says:

        If you don’t want to contribute then it is really simple: go back where you came from and contribute there. No? Then shut up.

        Any way on to the sensible commentary now: how’s my chicken farms and pig farms are tourist attractions in the USA, Canada and UK?

        • Anonymous says:

          Actually yes, they are and they are also open to public scrutiny.

      • Anonymous says:

        Just as your quaint tradition of eating ungulata is important to you and your nations. Most of which is provided from farms with horrific living conditions. After burgers and hot dogs are outlawed. Then return and try to convince the local populace again they are wrong. Until then there is little to discuss.

      • Anonymous says:

        You should pay because you choose to live here. If you don’t like caymanian tradition then I suggest you learn some respect for the country you choose to reside. An Expat

        • Anonymous says:

          You should pay because you choose to eat it, idiot. 

          • Anonymous says:

            Actually I don’t eat it. I’m just not so stupid to think that others wont. I’m more worried about the survival of the wild turtles. Idiot

      • Anonymous says:

        Okay let's change a few words here and see if you like it…

        "Okay, let the UK beef eaters have their quaint, 18th century traditions and feel that it is they who are the exploited and oppressed.

        BUT before the 'traditionalists' get to eat their portion of an endangered species….
        Turn the UK Cattle Farms into proper, humane farming and slaughter facility first, you know, the type that their children can visit and watch whilst their heritage is hacked to death, then lets see if they want to keep such a tradition going.Then remove all public subsidies, why should we pay for their dietary needs."

        You eat what you want to eat andI will eat what I want..There are traditions all around the world. Is WSPA plannning on taking on the world..

        Everyday inthe US and the UK, cows and chickens are kept in the worst of facilites, fattened up and injected with drugs so that they can be sold to the many people that want to eat them.

        XXXXX

  16. Anonymous says:

    Can we close down the dolphin torture facilities at the same time?

    • noname says:

      Dolphin meat is part of our heritage.

    • Anonymous says:

      If only!

       

      In all seriousness, though, we the public should be the ones who are pushing for these places to be closed down. What else can we do to ensure they leave our island?

  17. Anonymous says:

    Carry the turtle up from $60-$100 and that will really put the nail in the coffin!!!

    Braca

    • Anonymous says:

      Don't be silly…we will just eat the free ones swimming around the islands or nesting on the beaches!! Do you really think that putting up price on turtle meat will stop us. Ha ha….it's like suddenly asking Americans to give up turkeys which are, as you know, grown in terrible places–forced fed antibiotic food with 24/7 lit production facilities–you all need to get real here. XXXX

  18. Stew Turtle & Breadfruit says:

    We have a FARM!!!

    All FARMs provides food or some source of product for selling or distibution.

    Our FARM provides both food for our Country and replenishing the ocean.

    Our FARM does exactly what it intended to do…….provides a food source, in addition to contributing to the survival of the species.

    Our FARM has consistently provided an invaluable and unquestionable live stock in order for these speciies to exist longer.

    We are unique in this initiative!!!!!!!!!!

    NO OTHER COUNTRY IN THIS WORLD CONTRIBUTES TO THE POPULATION OR REPLENISHING OF THESE ENDANGERED TURTLES.

    IF Cayman had not made such a invaluable contribution to the survival of this species, its highly possible they would have been extinct by now.

    Yes, I agree that we need to provide a better environment for the turles – thats a given.

    Has these individuals conducted an annual  'turtle census' to ascertain if the turtles that were released each year contributed to the survuval of the species??

    Has these individuals conducted an annual survey to ascertain if the FARM ate more turtles than they released??

    However, what I dont understand is why did certain individuals did you not make this kind of effort against the concrete captivity of the Dolphins????   Or when certain individuals removed our endangered stingrays from our waters and placed them in the same concrete captivity with the dolphins???  Where were their attention on these issues???

    Bring ALL the facts, prove us wrong and then we'll talk!

    Until such time, be a contribution to the solution rather than joining the world in trying to change what is unique to the Cayman Islands.!!

    BTW, I love to cook and enjoy a cultural dish of Stew Turtle with Breadfruit.  Do you???

     

    • Anonymous says:

      we have a farm with sick and diseased turtles… you love eating sick-turtle turtle-meat don't ya!

    • Anonymous says:

      one small omission: 

      Our FARM LOSES 10 MILLION dollars a year!  I'llbet no other farm in the world does that!

    • Anonymous says:

      Sea turtles nest on almost the entire US coastline and are protected. There are many groups helping them. Cuba has 3500 miles of coastline and has banned turtle harvesting since 2008. Only Cayman claims a god-given right to farm them to stop poaching.  Do the right thing for once!

    • Diogenes says:

      DOE has kept records on the number of turtles released and taged by the farm subsequently returning here to nest – only 60 or so recorded ever.

      as for the second question, of ocurse they do – a lot more are are butchered than are release – WAY more.

       

      There comes a point where nay culture has to accept that the world changes, and with it cultural mores.  Do you think that Papua New Guineans should still be eating other people – they could claim that they have done it for thousands of years, ye the world frowns on cannibalism now.  

      • Anonymous says:

        The number of farm turtles returning to nest her is not 60. DoE or Mike Adam, please correct te record.

        • Anonymous says:

          If you're so sure the poster is wrong why don't you answer? The truth is you don't know so shut up.

    • Anonymous says:

      You, sir, are wholly incorrect about the fact that no other country in the world protects the sea turtles. In the US, Hawai'i are far better with their programs at protecting their sea turtles (which have important cultural and religious connotations for native Hawai'ians) than we are.

      For example, during sea turtle nesting season in Hawaii, it is prohibited to have lights above a certain wattage shining within a certain distance of the sealine in order to prevent the confusion and interference with the sea turtle nesting. In addition, there are also teams of individuals who volunteer during these times to guard the sea turtle nests on island and prevent their predation or interference by human activity. Can we truly say that the best we can come up with is the Turtle Farm? While I appreciate that the consumption of turtle meat is a part of our island's history we can surely do much better with the conditions and tanks these beautiful creatures are subjected to.

      The turtle farm needs to step up, admit they have not been doing everything they can to ensure the health, safety and prosperity of the animals they house and do what they can to correct these travesties. I support the turtle farm, I think they do a lot for the continued existence of these animals, but I also believe that there is a lot more that they could do.

    • Anonymous says:

      You blinkered and unworldly fool, you little people have no idea how the rest of the civilised world works do you?

      It won't be long before the foriegners you hate so much will boycott the CTF, the cruise ships will be forced to inform their passengers of the state sponsored cruelty and you will lose your reptile eating ways when the WPSA force the UN and the UK to act.

      Fine, eat reptiles if you feel the need, but farm them properly and pay the full unsubsidised price for it, otrherwise climb back into the 21st century and join the rest of the world in trying to improve instead of destroy your environment.

      Oh yes, where on earth do you get your information from? Sea turtles are probally the most protected reptile on the face of the earth.

      Read more, eat less and exercise your antiquated mind instead of your bigoted mouth.

  19. Kosher Nostra says:

    WSPA.  Thanks for your concern and I agree in part with the concern.  However, there are times and places, when like everyone else…mind your own business. Straighten American and Europe the way you like it first- then pursaude the rest of us.  Until then. KN

  20. KYnot4KYians says:

    144,000 signatures… Any Caymanians on that? If it was circulated locally, I was not aware. Take the turtles out of this for a second – how much longer are we as Caymanians going to continue to allow others to dictate our future? I agree the Turtle Farm needs improvements in the care of the turtles, I have commented on that myself after visits there. So thanks for your care and concern, but let us handle something ourselves for once PLEASE!

    • Anonymous says:

      That's the thing…. you're not handling it. The turtles dont look so good and for chr*st sakes the waste has been illegally dumped into the sea for how long now?  How long?

    • Diogenes says:

      Well, you can tell foreigners to shut up if you wish, but just remember how important the tourist dollar is to the local economy.  Would your viewpoint survive a major international campaign to boycott Cayman because of the treatment of turtles at the farm?  Its all very well saying that you won't allows others to dictate your future, but you better be fairly sure that you can develop your future without their dollars if you want to take such an isolationist attitude.

    • Anonymous says:

      With 144,000 signatures, some of them have to be Caymanian signatures.

  21. Terra Pin says:

    Nothing special here – most of West Bay wants to see free turtle…  Let's face it, when they raised the price it really hit people hard…  Yay, go Tanya!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      So eat pork then idiot.

      • Anonymous says:

        Everyone has to mind everyone else's business.  Do you not think the zoos in the US are kept any better.  I don't think so.  Do you not think sea world is kept any better, I don't think so…so why are you so interested in someone else's country.  Worry about your own first.  

  22. Anonymous says:

    fari play to her…she's got more bravery and guts than most folks around here….

  23. Friend of Tanya says:

    I know Tanya Streeter personally and I can sympathize with her views in understanding the solitary nature of turles. However, I believe we should still keep the farm – just use the farm for CONSERVATION and eliminate the governement – tourist aspect of it. I think the real problem is not in permanently holding the turtles captive. Rather it is ensuring they are taken care of properly and large numbers are released each year and not just a few hundred. The turtle farm was initially set up to CONSERVE and PROTECT the animals from extinction. I think the farm need to go back to that MISSION instead of the money-profiteering forthe government. And see it this way, with enough turtles released each year, the turtles in the farm shouldn't be cramped up.

    • Ninja Turtle says:

      That is a good idea, sadly WSPA are not really willing to entertain that idea and now like a dog with a bone, will pound and bully until they get their way…  They may have stated early in the game a willingness to compromise, but now they keep moving the goalposts towards their apparent real goal of shutting it down.  Sad that Tanya's name locally will go down as being associated with this…

      • Anonymous says:

        I don't suppose for one minute Ms Streeter will care if 'locals' who still live in the past and eat turtle don't approve of her or her conscience. Go Tanya, do what you can to stop this barbaric abuse and free all the turtles.

        If the locals don't like it, hard luck, eat something else. Try lion fish, yum yum.

        • Stew it down says:

          Um hello, since when has one animal's life become more valuable than anothers.  The way I see it, killing a cow, chicken, lamb etc. for meat bears no difference than killing a turtle for that same reason.  Yes they are endangered hence why there is a FARM!  I agree changes can and should be made in regards to how they are treated and the conditions in which they live in at that establishment, but do not for one second look down at us caymanians and call us barbaric for carrying on our traditions and trying to keep our culture alive.  And for the sample that wrote the above post, eating turtle is not a past tradition, it is still very much alive so If you dont agree with it i'm sure you have a return address.  

          RESPECT others in their own country, that is what we do when we visit yours.  No one is forcing you to participate.  I think kangaroos are cute too but they often get the chair down under.

          We were eating turtle before you and my unborn kids will be eating turtle after you. 

           

      • Anonymous says:

        read the article…it never says anything about shutting it down….

        • Anonymous says:

          I would worry more about the people of the cayman islands not being able to feed their families, losing their homes, cars due to losing their jobs because of cut backs….

    • Anonymous says:

      While I tend to agree with some of your comments, I would like to state the obvious, that is obviously being overlooked by all those who claim to want the farm shut down.

      The fact is, conservationist aren't in the business of telling people what to eat; however, they are in the business of protecting endagered species such as turtles.

      Now having said that, I will also point out that conservationist encourage farming of endagered species for TWO reasons. 1) It put less stress on the wild population (which isn't being hunted by locals in this case, or shouldn't be happening, but is happening around the world) and 2) It offers the opportunity for new stock to be released into the wild to assist with population growth.

      The obstacles that turtles face are far more broad and complex than the farming of them.

      Between pollution, habitat being destroyed or trawling nets, the future of their species, I'm afraid to say, is not good. Unfortunatley, if broad action is not taken to address the many issues that threaten sea turtles , the farm may be the only place left on earth to see them.

      But, as long as those evil Caymanians don't get to eat them, will be satisfactory for some I'm sure. 

      I will say, that the farm has to do a better job as far as space for the turtles. What they have there now only reminds me of CAFO's and Chicken Farms here in the US.