In 2022 the Nevis Turtle Group (NTG) received a micro-grant from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) to carry out a coastal replanting project on Dog Bay beach at Indian Castle. This is a beach that has been heavily mined for sand at a steady rate up until the mid 1990’s and sporadically afterwards. Today, illegal sand mining continues to be a threat to the nesting sea turtle population. 100 saplings were planted at the location. These consisted of 80 buttonwood mangrove plants and 20 coco plum plants. The area is arid and some plants succumbed to the dry conditions. All the coco plums (icacos or fat pork) died. 30 of the buttonwood plants are still alive. A surge in nesting turtles during 2025 gives this project increased importance. However, renewed illegal sand mining in 2025 and 2026 is a clear and present threat to sea turtle conservation efforts here. Most of the buttonwood plants that are left have adapted well to the conditions and have already thrown out flowers and seeds. It is hoped that these plants will spread thus restoring the coastal ecosystem that was there before the unregulated and illegal sand mining. Groups included in the replanting efforts were the Indian Castle Fisher Folk Association and the Charlestown Secondary School Environmental Club.

Replanting:

Mature plants: