Pan Am Nature Reserve Improvements

9 April 2025

Conservation, Press Release

Works conducted to make the reserve safer for nesting turtles

The Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) has been working with island stakeholders at the United States Space Force (USSF) to make amendments to the Pan Am Nature Reserve to preserve turtles.

Each year, thousands of turtles nest on the beach at Pan Am, making it the second busiest turtle beach on the island. Every year in February and March, increased sea conditions and swell alter the coastline, exposing the bedrock beneath the sand. In one particular area, a crack is uncovered which becomes a hot-spot for adult turtles to get stuck. On occasion, turtles have perished as a result of this entrapment.

The AIGCFD has tried a number of tactics to solve this issue, including by filling the crevice with boulders, sandbags and even cement, however the power of the sea means these are not permeant solutions. AIGCFD has also tried to widen the gap to prevent turtles from becoming stuck but the toughened sandstone is no match for a chisel or other hand-tools.
This is an annual problem requiring a long-term solution. Outside of this rough period of sea conditions, the site is back-filled with sand. Several attempts were made to dig it out to make modifications to the site outside of the turtle season, but these were also unsuccessful. As a result, any alterations would have to take place during the period the crack was exposed.
In preparation for this turtle season, AIGCFD discussed a range of options with island stakeholders and the USSF kindly agreed to assist with the works*. On Thursday 06 March 2025, USSF contractors used an excavator to break up the rocks which create the offending crack. Additionally, the team softened the gradient of the surrounding rocks which enter the sea to prevent further injury to turtles as they return to the ocean.

These amendments will have a long-lasting effect to protect turtles which nest on the Pan Am Nature Reserve. The AIGCFD is grateful to all those involved and thanks the USSF for their expertise to help preserve Ascension’s turtles.

AIG Conservation Directorate
11 March 2025