The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) wishes to remind the public that marine turtles are among many species afforded protection under the Protected Species Act 2003. Under the act, it is an offence to “disturb or harass” any protected species. Any person found to have done so commits an offence and may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000 or two years imprisonment.

This reminder comes as DENR recently launched an investigation around a video circulating locally on social media. The video shows an individual in the water with two marine turtles, closely interacting and hanging onto one by its shell and getting pulled through the water. The Department is aware of the details in this case and will take the appropriate action.

More information on Bermuda’s protected species is available online at https://www.gov.bm/bermudas-protected-species.