Marine turtles in the Northern Caribbean have over the centuries been devastated by overexploitation, bringing some populations to the brink of extinction and severely threatening others. Using research and field surveys, it gathered and analyzed information about the harvest of marine turtles, the use of and trade in their products, and the impact of these activities on their populations. Sea turtle meat and eggs are consumed by communities throughout the region, while products are made from turtle parts, including oil, cartilage, skin and shell. Hawksbill shell products continue to be sold at tourist centers, including international airports, in violation of national laws.
Legislation is excellent in some countries but incomplete and outdated in others.
Enforcement of regulations is strict in some countries, while in other countries it is nearly non-existent. Marine turtles are highly migratory species - breeding, nesting and feeding across thousands of miles of ocean. Over-exploitation and illegal trade by the other countries in the region can easily foil significant conservation progress made in some countries. Demand for turtle meat and eggs, as well as turtle products such as oil, cartilage, leather and shells, are among the most urgent threats to turtles in the Caribbean region. Habel stressed the urgent need for countries in the Caribbean to work closely together to improve the management of their shared marine turtle populations.