Historically, green turtles from Ascension were a good source of fresh meat for ships passing by. Following the installation of the British garrison, turtle meat was an important part of the diet for residents. In order to provide a continual year-round supply of meat, a Turtle Pond was built in Georgetown around 1815. In 1829, a second Turtle Pond was created through the conversion of the Boat Harbour. The ponds, which can still be seen in Georgetown today, were large stone tanks with channels that would allow the admittance of sea water, but which were too narrow for a turtle to pass through. Female turtles were captured and placed in the ponds when they came ashore for nesting.