Accra (Greater Accra), 25 Feb. '99 -

The Wildlife Department has appealed to members of the public, especially those living along the coast, not to pick turtle hatchlings (young/baby turtles) from the beaches. In a statement issued in Accra, the department said "this is their hatching period and the young ones need some time to get back to the sea to gain maturity". Sea turtles which are wholly protected by law live up to 15-20 years before reaching adulthood where they travel back to familiar beaches to lay their eggs. The department warned that it is unlawful to collect the eggs of the turtle, overturn it or kill matured or nesting ones. Offenders could face custodian or fine sentences prescribed by Legislative Instrument 685, 1971.