Govt. warns against marketing of sea turtle shells

Santo Domingo.- The EnvironmentMinistry on Wednesday warned Dominicans and foreigners against buying orselling handicrafts made from the shells of the sea turtle (Eretmochelysimbricata), a species protected worldwide.

It said the illegal tradein shells of the species has resurged in some communities across country inviolation of national and international environmental standards.

It called on artisans whowork with shells and merchants who market such articles to be aware of the illegalpractice because they prosecution and the confiscation of their merchandise.

"We call on thosewho are engaged in this predatory trade to desist from this practice thatthreatens this population, an important migratory species and also commits thecountry, which can be punished internationally," Environment said in astatement.

It adds that the countryhas a global commitment to protect this and other species, we many merchants, especiallyin tourism regions such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Conde Street in SantoDomingo.