The Cayman Islands Government and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) have held positive discussions on several key issues carried forward from meetings last year. It was agreed that turtle meat has huge cultural significance in the Cayman Islands.

WSPA is concerned that there is a need to consider ways to reduce the promotion of turtle meat to international tourists.

These concerns will be investigated further through research conducted by the Department of Environment and their project partners via Darwin Plus funding made available by the UK Government.

This long-term study will also look into the effectiveness of the turtle-release programme and potential contribution of releases to wild populations of turtles.

WSPA was pleased to learn that the future release of farm-raised turtles has been suspended until the findings of the research are available. The Cayman Islands Government has undertaken to address all appropriate concerns.