Friday, June 25, 2010
Project Orion 2 Blog is up!
Greetings, Project Orion 2's blog is up! You can visit the blog by clicking here, to support Project Orion 2.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Japan sends rare turtles to Singapore for release
SINGAPORE — Thirteen endangered sea turtles bred in captivity in Japan have been given to a Singapore aquarium to prepare them for release into a natural habitat later this year, scientists said Friday.
The hawksbill turtles, listed as a highly endangered species, were brought to Singapore by their Japanese caretakers Tomomi Saito and Yoshihiko Kanou from the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium.
The five one-year-old turtles and eight three-year-olds were turned over on Thursday to the Underwater World Singapore, which is collaborating with the Nagoya aquarium to release the animals.
They are the offspring of hawksbill turtles donated by the Underwater World Singapore to the Nagoya aquarium in 1997 and 2002.
As part of the preparations, staff from the Singapore aquarium will monitor and conduct checks on the turtles to determine their fitness for the release scheduled in September.
"With the success of their breeding... we would want to have some of these captive-bred turtles return to the wild," said Anthony Chang, curator of the Underwater World Singapore.
He said that releasing older turtles that are bred in captivity will improve their chances of survival.
"We know that on the beaches, when turtle eggs hatch, people will poach them," Chang told AFP.
"The turtles may be collected by people and they may be eaten up. The survivability of the small babies is very, very low."
Turtle soup is a delicacy in parts of Asia. Turtle shell is turned into powder and used as an ingredient for a jelly dessert.
Prior to their release, the turtles will be fitted with satellite devices attached to the back of their shells, allowing the scientists to learn about their migratory behaviour and survivability.
Their findings will be reported at an international convention on biological diversity in Nagoya in October.
The hawksbill turtles, listed as a highly endangered species, were brought to Singapore by their Japanese caretakers Tomomi Saito and Yoshihiko Kanou from the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium.
The five one-year-old turtles and eight three-year-olds were turned over on Thursday to the Underwater World Singapore, which is collaborating with the Nagoya aquarium to release the animals.
They are the offspring of hawksbill turtles donated by the Underwater World Singapore to the Nagoya aquarium in 1997 and 2002.
As part of the preparations, staff from the Singapore aquarium will monitor and conduct checks on the turtles to determine their fitness for the release scheduled in September.
"With the success of their breeding... we would want to have some of these captive-bred turtles return to the wild," said Anthony Chang, curator of the Underwater World Singapore.
He said that releasing older turtles that are bred in captivity will improve their chances of survival.
"We know that on the beaches, when turtle eggs hatch, people will poach them," Chang told AFP.
"The turtles may be collected by people and they may be eaten up. The survivability of the small babies is very, very low."
Turtle soup is a delicacy in parts of Asia. Turtle shell is turned into powder and used as an ingredient for a jelly dessert.
Prior to their release, the turtles will be fitted with satellite devices attached to the back of their shells, allowing the scientists to learn about their migratory behaviour and survivability.
Their findings will be reported at an international convention on biological diversity in Nagoya in October.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Bali Police Pull Endangered Turtles From the Pot
Denpasar. Bali Police announced on Wednesday that they had rescued 71 endangered green turtles being kept for their meat.
Some of the turtles “were so big it took three people to lift each one,” Andi Taqdir Rahmantiro, director of the Bali Police’s detectives unit said, adding that the biggest turtles weighed as much as 200 kilograms each.
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were once commonly used in ritual sacrifices across the predominantly Hindu island, while their meat is a traditional delicacy. In recent years, however, there has been a shift toward symbolic sacrifices where the animals are released alive into the sea.
Andi said the animals were seized on Wednesday from a warehouse in Denpasar owned by Jero Mangku Buda. He added Buda had long fronted as a pork vendor, but actually sold turtle meat on the sly.
Police had staked out Buda’s food stall for months before posing as potential turtle meat buyers to make the arrest. During questioning, the suspect told investigators about the warehouse, just 200 meters away from the food stall.
Buda said he had bought the consignment of turtles for Rp 35 million ($3,850) from a fisherman at Amed Harbor in Karangasem a day earlier, who in turn had netted them in the Sulawesi Sea.
He did not tell police whether he had killed or sold any from the batch, but said he often sold off entire turtles for Rp 700,000 each, while serving up turtle meat for Rp 45,000 a portion.
“He says he’s only done it once before, but we’re not buying it,” Bali Police spokesman Gde Sugianyar Dwi Putra said. “In the meantime, we’re tracking down the supplier.”
Buda would likely be charged with poaching, which could see him face up to five years in prison and Rp 100 million in fines, Sugianyar said.
Police will deliver the 71 turtles to the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) office in Bali, which plans to release them into the sea from Kuta Beach.
“For now, though, we’ll keeping them at the turtle conservation center in Serangan,” BKSDA Bali head Pamen Sitorus said.
Indonesia implemented a turtle trade ban in 1999, and rejected a proposal last year by Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika to set an annual quota of 1,000 animals for sacrificial ceremonies. However, high demand has driven the trade underground, with police foiling several smuggling attempts in recent years.
In February 2009, police stopped a boat carrying 26 turtles, while in July a shipment of 42 turtles from Java was foiled. In September, authorities seized 140 kilograms of turtle meat.
Too old for this: A police officer sprays dozens of turtles with water at the Bali Police Headquarters on Wednesday. The police confiscated 71 turtles – all believed to be more than seventy years old – from a suspected illegal trader who had transported the animals from Sulawesi. JP/Zul Trio Anggono, from Jakarta Post 19 May 10;
Indonesian police seize 71 green turtles
Yahoo News 19 May 10;
DENPASAR, Indonesia (AFP) – Indonesian police said Wednesday they had rescued 71 endangered green sea turtles after a raid on a warehouse on the holiday island of Bali.
The animals were alive but with their flippers tied with rope after police investigated suspicious activity by the 55-year-old warehouse owner, senior detective Andi Rahmantiro told AFP.
The turtles were probably destined for local food markets, he added.
"We have been eyeing the area for a while but we needed stronger evidence. Yesterday our officers raided the location because the information was certain," Rahmantiro said.
"The suspect confessed to planning to sell the turtles for 700,000 rupiah (77 dollars) each. On the market they can actually reach about two to four million rupiah each."
An estimated 100,000 green sea turtles are killed in the Indo-Australian archipelago each year, mostly for their meat, according to environmental group WWF.
Turtle meat is a traditional part of the Balinese diet but consumption has fallen since its peak in the 1970s thanks to greater awareness of the species and its importance to the local tourism industry.
Rahmantiro said the rescued turtles, most of which were more than 10 years old, would be released back into the sea.
The warehouse owner faces up to five years in jail for violating conservation laws.
Indonesian police seize 71 giant turtles in Bali
Associated Press Google News 19 May 10;
DENPASAR, Indonesia — Indonesian police have confiscated 71 endangered giant sea turtles from a food stall on the resort island of Bali, an officer said Wednesday.
The owner of the stall was arrested when the giant green turtles, named chelonia mydas, were found inside his storehouse in Denpasar, chief detective Col. Andi Taqdir Rahmantiro said.
Rahmantiro said the stall owner told police he purchased the turtles, with an average size of more than 3.3 feet (one meter), from fishermen who caught them in waters off Sulawesi island.
Turtle meat is a traditional delicacy in the predominantly Hindu province of Bali, although Indonesia has banned turtle trade and consumption due to concerns about dwindling numbers and threats by animal welfare groups of a tourist boycott of Bali.
Turtles are among several protected species in Indonesia, a vast nation of 17,000 islands.
Some of the turtles “were so big it took three people to lift each one,” Andi Taqdir Rahmantiro, director of the Bali Police’s detectives unit said, adding that the biggest turtles weighed as much as 200 kilograms each.
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were once commonly used in ritual sacrifices across the predominantly Hindu island, while their meat is a traditional delicacy. In recent years, however, there has been a shift toward symbolic sacrifices where the animals are released alive into the sea.
Andi said the animals were seized on Wednesday from a warehouse in Denpasar owned by Jero Mangku Buda. He added Buda had long fronted as a pork vendor, but actually sold turtle meat on the sly.
Police had staked out Buda’s food stall for months before posing as potential turtle meat buyers to make the arrest. During questioning, the suspect told investigators about the warehouse, just 200 meters away from the food stall.
Buda said he had bought the consignment of turtles for Rp 35 million ($3,850) from a fisherman at Amed Harbor in Karangasem a day earlier, who in turn had netted them in the Sulawesi Sea.
He did not tell police whether he had killed or sold any from the batch, but said he often sold off entire turtles for Rp 700,000 each, while serving up turtle meat for Rp 45,000 a portion.
“He says he’s only done it once before, but we’re not buying it,” Bali Police spokesman Gde Sugianyar Dwi Putra said. “In the meantime, we’re tracking down the supplier.”
Buda would likely be charged with poaching, which could see him face up to five years in prison and Rp 100 million in fines, Sugianyar said.
Police will deliver the 71 turtles to the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) office in Bali, which plans to release them into the sea from Kuta Beach.
“For now, though, we’ll keeping them at the turtle conservation center in Serangan,” BKSDA Bali head Pamen Sitorus said.
Indonesia implemented a turtle trade ban in 1999, and rejected a proposal last year by Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika to set an annual quota of 1,000 animals for sacrificial ceremonies. However, high demand has driven the trade underground, with police foiling several smuggling attempts in recent years.
In February 2009, police stopped a boat carrying 26 turtles, while in July a shipment of 42 turtles from Java was foiled. In September, authorities seized 140 kilograms of turtle meat.
Too old for this: A police officer sprays dozens of turtles with water at the Bali Police Headquarters on Wednesday. The police confiscated 71 turtles – all believed to be more than seventy years old – from a suspected illegal trader who had transported the animals from Sulawesi. JP/Zul Trio Anggono, from Jakarta Post 19 May 10;
Indonesian police seize 71 green turtles
Yahoo News 19 May 10;
DENPASAR, Indonesia (AFP) – Indonesian police said Wednesday they had rescued 71 endangered green sea turtles after a raid on a warehouse on the holiday island of Bali.
The animals were alive but with their flippers tied with rope after police investigated suspicious activity by the 55-year-old warehouse owner, senior detective Andi Rahmantiro told AFP.
The turtles were probably destined for local food markets, he added.
"We have been eyeing the area for a while but we needed stronger evidence. Yesterday our officers raided the location because the information was certain," Rahmantiro said.
"The suspect confessed to planning to sell the turtles for 700,000 rupiah (77 dollars) each. On the market they can actually reach about two to four million rupiah each."
An estimated 100,000 green sea turtles are killed in the Indo-Australian archipelago each year, mostly for their meat, according to environmental group WWF.
Turtle meat is a traditional part of the Balinese diet but consumption has fallen since its peak in the 1970s thanks to greater awareness of the species and its importance to the local tourism industry.
Rahmantiro said the rescued turtles, most of which were more than 10 years old, would be released back into the sea.
The warehouse owner faces up to five years in jail for violating conservation laws.
Indonesian police seize 71 giant turtles in Bali
Associated Press Google News 19 May 10;
DENPASAR, Indonesia — Indonesian police have confiscated 71 endangered giant sea turtles from a food stall on the resort island of Bali, an officer said Wednesday.
The owner of the stall was arrested when the giant green turtles, named chelonia mydas, were found inside his storehouse in Denpasar, chief detective Col. Andi Taqdir Rahmantiro said.
Rahmantiro said the stall owner told police he purchased the turtles, with an average size of more than 3.3 feet (one meter), from fishermen who caught them in waters off Sulawesi island.
Turtle meat is a traditional delicacy in the predominantly Hindu province of Bali, although Indonesia has banned turtle trade and consumption due to concerns about dwindling numbers and threats by animal welfare groups of a tourist boycott of Bali.
Turtles are among several protected species in Indonesia, a vast nation of 17,000 islands.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Volunteers: The Saviours Of Turtles in Malaysia
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 18 (Bernama) -- It is most unfortunate that the turtle that has survived since the Jurassic era, about 145 to 208 million years ago, is now on the verge of extinction.
It is among the creatures that can live up to 100 years but nowadays its lifespan has been shortened due to natural threats and the threats caused by humankind.
The turtle eggs is relished by humans and other animals and new turtle hatchlings are easy prey for monitor lizards and birds before they can make it to the sea.
In the sea, the fishermen's nets are the main contributor for turtle fatalities. But there are some who care for the turtles and are taking the efforts to boost the turtle population.
GENERATING AWARENESS
In Malaysia, the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is among the agencies entrusted with the task to conduct studies and conservation activities since 1993.
Through the Turtle Volunteer programme the public, including foreigners, have the opportunity to be directly involved in conservation activities.
The unit was established by two UMT lecturers, Prof Dr Chan Eng Heng and Associate Prof Liew Hock Chark, but since both have retired it is now being headed by Dr Juanita Joseph.
Juanita, 36, from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who is also a lecturer with UMT's Faculty Of Maritime Studies and Marine Science noted that the turtle volunteer programme is also conducted by other conservation centres of the world.
"This programme is to create awareness and provide a chance for the public to take part in turtle conservation efforts, and to help finance the turtle conservation programme in Chagar Hutang," she told Bernama, recently.
STANDARD CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
The activities under this programme are considered standard activities in conserving turtles all over the world, with the volunteers monitoring the turtle's nest, keeping the preying beasts at bay and analyze the hatchlings, clean up the beach and assist in research work.
The four turtle species that land in the country are the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea).
However, the Chagar Hutang beach in Pulau Redang only receives the Green and the Hawksbill turtle. Pulau Redang is one of the 10 most beautiful islands of the world and declared a turtle sanctuary in 2005.
From 1993 to 2004, SEATRU had spent RM500,000 to purchase turtle eggs from licensed sellers with the green turtle eggs costing RM120 per nest and RM150 for hawksbill.
GOOD RESPONSE
Hitherto, SEATRU has received 3,000 volunteers from Malaysia, Singapore, German, United Kingdom, France, Australia and China since the program began in 1993.
For this year, SEATRU's Turtle Volunteer Programme is from April 3 to Oct 2 with all the 30 slots offered already taken up by foreigners and locals.
"The response for this programme is very encouraging though the programme was not widely publicised. Many become keen to participate after learning of the programme from their friends or relatives who have volunteered.
"I was surprised that we received more than 200 emails an hour after online registration was opened on Feb 14 through SEATRU's website," said Juanita adding that those keen to participate had to be above 18.
Each volunteer is to be on the island for a week during each slot with each slot having eight volunteers.
NOT ALLOWED TO GET CLOSE WITH NESTING TURTLE
The volunteers, who will be assisted by research assistants, will start work at 7 pm beginning with beach patrol and when a turtle lands to lay eggs they will be observing from a comfortable distance.
"Normally, the tracks left by the turtles while getting on shore indicates their presence.
"When the turtle finds a suitable place to lay its eggs, it will start the body pitting before it starts digging the nest. The egg laying process takes between 3 and 5 hours," she said.
Volunteers can only get near the turtle after the reptile has completed laying eggs.
As the turtle is highly sensitive to light, the use of light at the beach is not allowed including the camera's flash.
PATROLS TO PREVENT ENCROACHMENT
After midnight, volunteers patrol with SEATRU staff in shifts up to 6 am.
During the day, volunteers will take turns to patrol to make sure the turtle nests are not disturbed or the eggs eaten by preys.
In the evenings, volunteers are to inspect the nests and the hatchlings or eggs that have been incubated more than 45 days to determine the hatching rate and see the reasons why the eggs have yet to hatch.
"Based on the studies conducted in year 2000, we learned that the turtle's gender is determined by the incubation temperature, with the males coming from nests under shade while the females coming from nests in the open," noted Juanita.
However, based on the observation in the sanctuary, the mother turtle that lands is the one that chooses the nest under the shade or in the open.
"At Chagar Hutang, the male and female turtles that hatch are almost in equal numbers. The hatching rate of 77 to 89 percent is also encouraging and since 1993 about 350,000 Green turtle and 7,000 Hawksbill have hatched here," she said.
A CHANCE TO SAVOUR THE BEAUTY
Other than conservation activities lined up by SEATRU, volunteers will have their own time to indulge in some interesting activities.
"There is the chance for the volunteers to savour the beauty of nature, without the disruption from telephone or Internet...there were also some who grumbled because they missed Facebook but soon they overcame their disappointment," she said.
Other than turtles, Chagar Hutang is also the home for wildlife like mousedeer, squirrel, moths and butterflies, bats and birds.
"The Chagar Hutang bay area is also known as 'Turtle Bay' that is rich in coral species and beautiful fishes. Volunteers often love to snorkel here," she said.
Volunteers also take the opportunity to climb up the 'Turtle Rock', the rock that resembles a giant turtle, which the locals believe attracts turtles to land there.
They can also test their pain endurance by allowing their legs to be 'cleaned' by the shrimps at the 'prawn spa'.
The facilities at Chagar Hutang is minimal to retain the natural environment and beauty that the volunteers will appreciate.
Apart from wildlife conservation, SEATRU also helps to clear up pollution by turning biodegradable waste to composite. The other waste will be sent to the waste collection centre in Redang Island before being shipped to the mainland.
Only limited use of soap and shampoo are allowed and the use of toilet paper is forbidden.
THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
The volunteer programme imposes a fee for the wonderful experience awaiting those who are keen.
Local students have to pay RM300 while international students US$150, adult locals have to pay RM500 and other foreigners US$250.
As for next year, Juanita noted that SEATRU will open the avenue for the corporate sector to volunteer and bookings will open in June.
Further information on the volunteer programme is available at SEATRU's website at: http://www.umt.edu.my/seatru.
It is among the creatures that can live up to 100 years but nowadays its lifespan has been shortened due to natural threats and the threats caused by humankind.
The turtle eggs is relished by humans and other animals and new turtle hatchlings are easy prey for monitor lizards and birds before they can make it to the sea.
In the sea, the fishermen's nets are the main contributor for turtle fatalities. But there are some who care for the turtles and are taking the efforts to boost the turtle population.
GENERATING AWARENESS
In Malaysia, the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is among the agencies entrusted with the task to conduct studies and conservation activities since 1993.
Through the Turtle Volunteer programme the public, including foreigners, have the opportunity to be directly involved in conservation activities.
The unit was established by two UMT lecturers, Prof Dr Chan Eng Heng and Associate Prof Liew Hock Chark, but since both have retired it is now being headed by Dr Juanita Joseph.
Juanita, 36, from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who is also a lecturer with UMT's Faculty Of Maritime Studies and Marine Science noted that the turtle volunteer programme is also conducted by other conservation centres of the world.
"This programme is to create awareness and provide a chance for the public to take part in turtle conservation efforts, and to help finance the turtle conservation programme in Chagar Hutang," she told Bernama, recently.
STANDARD CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
The activities under this programme are considered standard activities in conserving turtles all over the world, with the volunteers monitoring the turtle's nest, keeping the preying beasts at bay and analyze the hatchlings, clean up the beach and assist in research work.
The four turtle species that land in the country are the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea).
However, the Chagar Hutang beach in Pulau Redang only receives the Green and the Hawksbill turtle. Pulau Redang is one of the 10 most beautiful islands of the world and declared a turtle sanctuary in 2005.
From 1993 to 2004, SEATRU had spent RM500,000 to purchase turtle eggs from licensed sellers with the green turtle eggs costing RM120 per nest and RM150 for hawksbill.
GOOD RESPONSE
Hitherto, SEATRU has received 3,000 volunteers from Malaysia, Singapore, German, United Kingdom, France, Australia and China since the program began in 1993.
For this year, SEATRU's Turtle Volunteer Programme is from April 3 to Oct 2 with all the 30 slots offered already taken up by foreigners and locals.
"The response for this programme is very encouraging though the programme was not widely publicised. Many become keen to participate after learning of the programme from their friends or relatives who have volunteered.
"I was surprised that we received more than 200 emails an hour after online registration was opened on Feb 14 through SEATRU's website," said Juanita adding that those keen to participate had to be above 18.
Each volunteer is to be on the island for a week during each slot with each slot having eight volunteers.
NOT ALLOWED TO GET CLOSE WITH NESTING TURTLE
The volunteers, who will be assisted by research assistants, will start work at 7 pm beginning with beach patrol and when a turtle lands to lay eggs they will be observing from a comfortable distance.
"Normally, the tracks left by the turtles while getting on shore indicates their presence.
"When the turtle finds a suitable place to lay its eggs, it will start the body pitting before it starts digging the nest. The egg laying process takes between 3 and 5 hours," she said.
Volunteers can only get near the turtle after the reptile has completed laying eggs.
As the turtle is highly sensitive to light, the use of light at the beach is not allowed including the camera's flash.
PATROLS TO PREVENT ENCROACHMENT
After midnight, volunteers patrol with SEATRU staff in shifts up to 6 am.
During the day, volunteers will take turns to patrol to make sure the turtle nests are not disturbed or the eggs eaten by preys.
In the evenings, volunteers are to inspect the nests and the hatchlings or eggs that have been incubated more than 45 days to determine the hatching rate and see the reasons why the eggs have yet to hatch.
"Based on the studies conducted in year 2000, we learned that the turtle's gender is determined by the incubation temperature, with the males coming from nests under shade while the females coming from nests in the open," noted Juanita.
However, based on the observation in the sanctuary, the mother turtle that lands is the one that chooses the nest under the shade or in the open.
"At Chagar Hutang, the male and female turtles that hatch are almost in equal numbers. The hatching rate of 77 to 89 percent is also encouraging and since 1993 about 350,000 Green turtle and 7,000 Hawksbill have hatched here," she said.
A CHANCE TO SAVOUR THE BEAUTY
Other than conservation activities lined up by SEATRU, volunteers will have their own time to indulge in some interesting activities.
"There is the chance for the volunteers to savour the beauty of nature, without the disruption from telephone or Internet...there were also some who grumbled because they missed Facebook but soon they overcame their disappointment," she said.
Other than turtles, Chagar Hutang is also the home for wildlife like mousedeer, squirrel, moths and butterflies, bats and birds.
"The Chagar Hutang bay area is also known as 'Turtle Bay' that is rich in coral species and beautiful fishes. Volunteers often love to snorkel here," she said.
Volunteers also take the opportunity to climb up the 'Turtle Rock', the rock that resembles a giant turtle, which the locals believe attracts turtles to land there.
They can also test their pain endurance by allowing their legs to be 'cleaned' by the shrimps at the 'prawn spa'.
The facilities at Chagar Hutang is minimal to retain the natural environment and beauty that the volunteers will appreciate.
Apart from wildlife conservation, SEATRU also helps to clear up pollution by turning biodegradable waste to composite. The other waste will be sent to the waste collection centre in Redang Island before being shipped to the mainland.
Only limited use of soap and shampoo are allowed and the use of toilet paper is forbidden.
THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
The volunteer programme imposes a fee for the wonderful experience awaiting those who are keen.
Local students have to pay RM300 while international students US$150, adult locals have to pay RM500 and other foreigners US$250.
As for next year, Juanita noted that SEATRU will open the avenue for the corporate sector to volunteer and bookings will open in June.
Further information on the volunteer programme is available at SEATRU's website at: http://www.umt.edu.my/seatru.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Mass hatching of Olive Ridley sea turtle eggs begins
Mass hatching of Olive Ridley turtle eggs has begun at this major nesting site under the shroud of environmental degradation caused by oil spill from a ship recently.
The mass hatching, which started on Saturday night, is expected to continue for next two to three days.
Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Ajay Kumar Jena, who is monitoring the protection of the hatchlings till Monday morning, said eggs in around 30,000 nests on the coast had hatched.
Around 1,55,000 Olive Ridleys nested along the coastline near the Rushikulya Rookery in March and the eggs have started hatching after 45 days. More than 100 eggs were laid into every nest. On an average, however, around 80 hatchlings came out of each nest, Mr. Jena said.
Nearly 24,00,000 hatchlings had entered the sea and lakhs will follow in the coming days.
High mortality
The mortality of the hatchlings is usually quite high. Experts say only one in a 1,000 survives to become an adult. Environmental activists like Soumya Tripathy of Greenpeace feel the oil spill that occurred on April 13 may increase the mortality of the hatchlings this year.
Mr. Jena said though the surface of the sea near the nesting site was monitored, no residue of the oil spill was found. However, marine scientist and Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University Bijay Kumar Sahu said the oil spill would have had be a serious impact on the marine flora and fauna near the rookery, especially on plankton and small organisms that were the food of the turtle hatchlings.
Mr. Sahu and Mr. Tripathy said there was immediate need for a detailed multi-discipline faculty study on the long-term impact of the oil spill on the marine environment.
Protective measures
As part of measures to protect the hatchlings, the bright lights of the industrial units and townships near the area have been ordered to be shut down during the hatching period. The hatchlings get attracted to light sources. Nylon nets were in place over a distance of three km at the nesting beach to stop hatchlings from straying towards the land.
Volunteers of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee — an organisation comprising people from villages near the rookery involved in turtle protection — collected stray hatchlings and released them into the sea. Hundreds of children were also seen saving stray hatchlings and releasing them into sea. Forest officials have put up camps in the area to monitor the process.
The mass hatching, which started on Saturday night, is expected to continue for next two to three days.
Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Ajay Kumar Jena, who is monitoring the protection of the hatchlings till Monday morning, said eggs in around 30,000 nests on the coast had hatched.
Around 1,55,000 Olive Ridleys nested along the coastline near the Rushikulya Rookery in March and the eggs have started hatching after 45 days. More than 100 eggs were laid into every nest. On an average, however, around 80 hatchlings came out of each nest, Mr. Jena said.
Nearly 24,00,000 hatchlings had entered the sea and lakhs will follow in the coming days.
High mortality
The mortality of the hatchlings is usually quite high. Experts say only one in a 1,000 survives to become an adult. Environmental activists like Soumya Tripathy of Greenpeace feel the oil spill that occurred on April 13 may increase the mortality of the hatchlings this year.
Mr. Jena said though the surface of the sea near the nesting site was monitored, no residue of the oil spill was found. However, marine scientist and Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University Bijay Kumar Sahu said the oil spill would have had be a serious impact on the marine flora and fauna near the rookery, especially on plankton and small organisms that were the food of the turtle hatchlings.
Mr. Sahu and Mr. Tripathy said there was immediate need for a detailed multi-discipline faculty study on the long-term impact of the oil spill on the marine environment.
Protective measures
As part of measures to protect the hatchlings, the bright lights of the industrial units and townships near the area have been ordered to be shut down during the hatching period. The hatchlings get attracted to light sources. Nylon nets were in place over a distance of three km at the nesting beach to stop hatchlings from straying towards the land.
Volunteers of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee — an organisation comprising people from villages near the rookery involved in turtle protection — collected stray hatchlings and released them into the sea. Hundreds of children were also seen saving stray hatchlings and releasing them into sea. Forest officials have put up camps in the area to monitor the process.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Smuggling Of Turtle Eggs Rampant In Southeast Asia Region
Bandar Seri Begawan - The smuggling of turtle eggs continues to be rampant in the region despite stringent laws in most countries, including Brunei, making the sale and consumption of the dying "delicacy" illegal.
"We believe it is coming mainly from the Philippines and Malaysia, specifically from Sabah and Sarawak and through Brunei as well," Malaysia's TRAFFIC officer, Norainie Awang Anak, told the Bulletin.
TRAFFIC is Malaysia's wildlife trade monitoring network responsible for raising awareness of illegal wildlife trading within the region. The non-government organisation is in Brunei to conduct a two-day workshop in collaboration with Brunei's Department of Forestry and the World Wildlife Fund.
"(Turtle eggs) are also smuggled from the Turtle Islands to Sandakan in Sabah before going to Terengganu," she said. Demand for the regional delicacy is apparently quite large in the Malaysian state.
"There is also a third route where smuggling of this species occurs from Kalimantan to Sarawak. They also come from the Natuna region going to either Malaysia, Singapore or Brunei," added the wildlife officer.
According to Norainie, the largest amount seized by Malaysian enforcement authorities was in 2008 with over 10,000 turtle eggs suspected to be smuggled regionally.
Meanwhile, Brunei authorities are not denying the smuggling of turtle eggs into Brunei that are then sold illegally to the public but its occurrence is apparently "very rare".
"We will not deny that turtle eggs are being smuggled into Brunei," said Pg Haji Abdullah, Assistant Superintendent of Customs at the Customs and Excise Department.
He, however, asserted that there have been no cases of locals smuggling turtle eggs out of the country.
"Cases (of smuggling turtle eggs) are quite rare," he told the Bulletin, citing only nine known cases between 2004 and 2009.
He added that while there are cases of turtle eggs being smuggled in for personal consumption, most of the cases involve turtle eggs of which amount goes up in the thousands to be sold illegally in local markets, further revealing that "approximately 20,000 turtle eggs have been seized since 2004".
Most of these cases have already been prosecuted while others are still pending at the Attorney General's Chambers.
Meanwhile, Claire Beastall, Training and Capacity Building Co-ordinator for TRAFFIC, puts her faith in these workshops as an avenue to raise awareness among the people directly involved in the enforcement of these laws.
"Most people in most regions are not aware of how big the problem is," she told the Bulletin. "This is about raising awareness and helping customs officers and other enforcement agencies in the Heart of Borneo area to work together to protect its unique wildlife."
While the decline of the species continues, Beastall believes that "everybody is working towards improving the detection of the smuggling of illegal wildlife".
"It's everybody's job from all the enforcement agencies in all countries to the public itself," she added.
Poaching of marine turtles remains one of the biggest dangers to the species coupled with pollution of the ocean and drastic climate changes that affect the species' ability to reproduce.
In Brunei, marine turtles and their eggs are protected under the Wild Fauna and Flora Act 2007.
In 2009, Brunei's Royal Customs and Excise Department foiled an attempt to smuggle in a total of 4,150 turtle eggs as a result of a tip-off from the public, the largest number of turtle eggs seized by local authorities thus far.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
"We believe it is coming mainly from the Philippines and Malaysia, specifically from Sabah and Sarawak and through Brunei as well," Malaysia's TRAFFIC officer, Norainie Awang Anak, told the Bulletin.
TRAFFIC is Malaysia's wildlife trade monitoring network responsible for raising awareness of illegal wildlife trading within the region. The non-government organisation is in Brunei to conduct a two-day workshop in collaboration with Brunei's Department of Forestry and the World Wildlife Fund.
"(Turtle eggs) are also smuggled from the Turtle Islands to Sandakan in Sabah before going to Terengganu," she said. Demand for the regional delicacy is apparently quite large in the Malaysian state.
"There is also a third route where smuggling of this species occurs from Kalimantan to Sarawak. They also come from the Natuna region going to either Malaysia, Singapore or Brunei," added the wildlife officer.
According to Norainie, the largest amount seized by Malaysian enforcement authorities was in 2008 with over 10,000 turtle eggs suspected to be smuggled regionally.
Meanwhile, Brunei authorities are not denying the smuggling of turtle eggs into Brunei that are then sold illegally to the public but its occurrence is apparently "very rare".
"We will not deny that turtle eggs are being smuggled into Brunei," said Pg Haji Abdullah, Assistant Superintendent of Customs at the Customs and Excise Department.
He, however, asserted that there have been no cases of locals smuggling turtle eggs out of the country.
"Cases (of smuggling turtle eggs) are quite rare," he told the Bulletin, citing only nine known cases between 2004 and 2009.
He added that while there are cases of turtle eggs being smuggled in for personal consumption, most of the cases involve turtle eggs of which amount goes up in the thousands to be sold illegally in local markets, further revealing that "approximately 20,000 turtle eggs have been seized since 2004".
Most of these cases have already been prosecuted while others are still pending at the Attorney General's Chambers.
Meanwhile, Claire Beastall, Training and Capacity Building Co-ordinator for TRAFFIC, puts her faith in these workshops as an avenue to raise awareness among the people directly involved in the enforcement of these laws.
"Most people in most regions are not aware of how big the problem is," she told the Bulletin. "This is about raising awareness and helping customs officers and other enforcement agencies in the Heart of Borneo area to work together to protect its unique wildlife."
While the decline of the species continues, Beastall believes that "everybody is working towards improving the detection of the smuggling of illegal wildlife".
"It's everybody's job from all the enforcement agencies in all countries to the public itself," she added.
Poaching of marine turtles remains one of the biggest dangers to the species coupled with pollution of the ocean and drastic climate changes that affect the species' ability to reproduce.
In Brunei, marine turtles and their eggs are protected under the Wild Fauna and Flora Act 2007.
In 2009, Brunei's Royal Customs and Excise Department foiled an attempt to smuggle in a total of 4,150 turtle eggs as a result of a tip-off from the public, the largest number of turtle eggs seized by local authorities thus far.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Sea turtles found dead after oil spill in India
Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles were sighted floating near the Rushikulya rookery on the Orissa coast after an oil spill from a ship near the Gopalpur port.
Environmental activists suspect this to be the impact of the spill. Some 25 carcasses were reported to be floating between Prayagi and Arjipalli since Thursday. Most were two to three days old.
Around 7,000 litres of oil had spilt from the Essar-owned vessel MV Malabika on Tuesday evening when a barge hit it due to rough weather.
Buried hastily
It is suspected that suffocation or toxicity of spilt oil may have been a catalyst for the deaths.
Environmental activists have alleged that carcasses were being hastily buried by the authorities without any attempt to determine the cause of deaths.
Soumya Tripathy of the Greenpeace, who visited the Rushikulya rookery on Friday, said a toxic impact on mature Olive Ridleys in the sea near this coast and the young hatchlings that are about to come out from the nests on this mass nesting coast cannot be ruled out.
According to him, the spill can cause cutaneous toxic reactions and suffocation for marine turtles, which can cause death.
According to marine scientists, the planktons near the beach have been affected by the spill. This would affect the delicate marine food chain in the area. The first food of tender hatchlings are planktons and small sea animals.
It is feared that due to this pollution of the sea near the nesting site, the mortality among hatchlings may be quite high this year.
Even after four days, the residue of emulsified hydrocarbon was floating and getting carried to the rookery.
The port authorities had to deploy workers again to clean up the beach by collecting and segregating the sand affected.
Rabindra Sahu of the Rushikulya Marine Turtle Protection Committee said the effect of the spill would extend to the Chilka lake, connected to this region by the Palur canal.
Fish stinks of lubricants
He said the fish catch from this stretch now stinks of lubricants and salt producers of the area are worried that their produce too may get affected.
Environmental activists suspect this to be the impact of the spill. Some 25 carcasses were reported to be floating between Prayagi and Arjipalli since Thursday. Most were two to three days old.
Around 7,000 litres of oil had spilt from the Essar-owned vessel MV Malabika on Tuesday evening when a barge hit it due to rough weather.
Buried hastily
It is suspected that suffocation or toxicity of spilt oil may have been a catalyst for the deaths.
Environmental activists have alleged that carcasses were being hastily buried by the authorities without any attempt to determine the cause of deaths.
Soumya Tripathy of the Greenpeace, who visited the Rushikulya rookery on Friday, said a toxic impact on mature Olive Ridleys in the sea near this coast and the young hatchlings that are about to come out from the nests on this mass nesting coast cannot be ruled out.
According to him, the spill can cause cutaneous toxic reactions and suffocation for marine turtles, which can cause death.
According to marine scientists, the planktons near the beach have been affected by the spill. This would affect the delicate marine food chain in the area. The first food of tender hatchlings are planktons and small sea animals.
It is feared that due to this pollution of the sea near the nesting site, the mortality among hatchlings may be quite high this year.
Even after four days, the residue of emulsified hydrocarbon was floating and getting carried to the rookery.
The port authorities had to deploy workers again to clean up the beach by collecting and segregating the sand affected.
Rabindra Sahu of the Rushikulya Marine Turtle Protection Committee said the effect of the spill would extend to the Chilka lake, connected to this region by the Palur canal.
Fish stinks of lubricants
He said the fish catch from this stretch now stinks of lubricants and salt producers of the area are worried that their produce too may get affected.
Hunting for dugong, turtles 'cruel'
THE RSPCA says indigenous hunting methods for dugongs and green sea turtles are inhumane and is urging the federal government to stamp out cruelty in hunting methods.
The RSPCA's concerns come as the opposition today will announce that a Coalition government would stop the poaching of dugongs and sea turtles, stamp out brutality in hunting and "end the commercial sale of dugong and turtle meat".
Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt will also commit to reducing the take of dugongs and sea turtles by 90 per cent.
"The traditional owners, along with many individuals and groups, are among the strongest advocates of enforcement against poachers and against the brutality on dugongs and turtles as part of this illegal practice," Mr Hunt said.
Under the Native Title Act 1993, native title holders can legally hunt dugongs and green turtles for personal, domestic or non-commercial communal needs.
But RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said the RSPCA wanted state laws amended to remove the exemption for traditional hunting to ensure the humane killing of animals.
Mr Beatty said that, when hunted, green sea turtles often had their flippers cut off while they were still alive and were then left on beaches in the sun. He said live dugongs were often tied to wharves and had parts of their flesh cut off intermittently to keep the meat fresh.
"In this day and age with refrigeration and freezing, you don't need to be as cruel as that," Mr Beatty said.
Mr Beatty added he had received reports that dugong and turtle meat was being flown into Cairns airport from the Torres Straight and sold on a black market in town. He said the meat industry was being driven by illegal poaching.
A spokeswoman for the federal Environment Department said 13 offences had been recorded for illegal hunting of dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area since 2008.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority estimates there are 11,300 dugongs in the reef marine parks. The authority's Dr Mark Read said yesterday estimates suggested that an absolute maximum of 120 dugongs a year could be sustainably hunted throughout the reef.
The authority has several voluntary sustainable hunting agreements with traditional owners in the area - but has concerns that poachers not connected to traditional owners were hunting too many animals.
The park authority has also established an indigenous compliance officer who will work with traditional owners around Cairns to help stamp out poaching.
The RSPCA's concerns come as the opposition today will announce that a Coalition government would stop the poaching of dugongs and sea turtles, stamp out brutality in hunting and "end the commercial sale of dugong and turtle meat".
Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt will also commit to reducing the take of dugongs and sea turtles by 90 per cent.
"The traditional owners, along with many individuals and groups, are among the strongest advocates of enforcement against poachers and against the brutality on dugongs and turtles as part of this illegal practice," Mr Hunt said.
Under the Native Title Act 1993, native title holders can legally hunt dugongs and green turtles for personal, domestic or non-commercial communal needs.
But RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said the RSPCA wanted state laws amended to remove the exemption for traditional hunting to ensure the humane killing of animals.
Mr Beatty said that, when hunted, green sea turtles often had their flippers cut off while they were still alive and were then left on beaches in the sun. He said live dugongs were often tied to wharves and had parts of their flesh cut off intermittently to keep the meat fresh.
"In this day and age with refrigeration and freezing, you don't need to be as cruel as that," Mr Beatty said.
Mr Beatty added he had received reports that dugong and turtle meat was being flown into Cairns airport from the Torres Straight and sold on a black market in town. He said the meat industry was being driven by illegal poaching.
A spokeswoman for the federal Environment Department said 13 offences had been recorded for illegal hunting of dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area since 2008.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority estimates there are 11,300 dugongs in the reef marine parks. The authority's Dr Mark Read said yesterday estimates suggested that an absolute maximum of 120 dugongs a year could be sustainably hunted throughout the reef.
The authority has several voluntary sustainable hunting agreements with traditional owners in the area - but has concerns that poachers not connected to traditional owners were hunting too many animals.
The park authority has also established an indigenous compliance officer who will work with traditional owners around Cairns to help stamp out poaching.
WWF-Malaysia urges PM to support Federal Laws for turtles in Memorandum
15 April 2010, Selangor – WWF-Malaysia calls for better legal protection through Federal laws for Malaysia’s endangered turtles in a Memorandum to the Prime Minister handed over on 7 April 2010. The memorandum was presented by WWF-Malaysia’s CEO/ Executive Director, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma to the PM’s Special Officer in Charge of Parliamentary Affairs at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya.
Essentially, the memorandum seeks to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the plight of this national heritage. Continued trade and consumption of turtle eggs, habitat destruction and degradation, turtle poaching and mortality through accidental by-catch in fishing activities are direly impacting the species.
“The precarious situation facing turtles in Malaysia is compounded by the fact that the State laws governing turtles currently are very weak and ineffective. These laws have failed to provide any meaningful protection,” said Dato’ Dr Sharma.
The ‘Turtle Memorandum’ calls on the Federal Government to now enact comprehensive and holistic Federal laws that govern turtles.
“However, this call, from a legal standpoint poses difficulties as the jurisdiction over turtles belongs to the State according to the Federal Constitution. For the Federal government to enact such comprehensive laws, the Federal Constitution will need to be amended,” according to WWF-Malaysia’s Policy Coordinator, Ms Preetha Sankar.
She added that it is absolutely imperative that if turtles are to have a chance at survival, Federal intervention, mandate, resolve and resources must be expressed and facilitated through such Federal laws.
WWF-Malaysia has through the memorandum called on the Prime Minister to give this issue attention at the cabinet level and initiate various consultations and policy dialogues with relevant Ministries, State Excos, the Attorney General’s Chambers, scientists and NGOs alike.
This memorandum also contains opinions by renowned turtle scientists and legal experts. WWF-Malaysia intends to make this memorandum public very soon.
“We need to bring the battle to save our turtles to Parliament. We hope that our Prime Minister will initiate pivotal changes that will set the course right for these iconic species. It is still not too late,” added Dato’ Dr Sharma.
Essentially, the memorandum seeks to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the plight of this national heritage. Continued trade and consumption of turtle eggs, habitat destruction and degradation, turtle poaching and mortality through accidental by-catch in fishing activities are direly impacting the species.
“The precarious situation facing turtles in Malaysia is compounded by the fact that the State laws governing turtles currently are very weak and ineffective. These laws have failed to provide any meaningful protection,” said Dato’ Dr Sharma.
The ‘Turtle Memorandum’ calls on the Federal Government to now enact comprehensive and holistic Federal laws that govern turtles.
“However, this call, from a legal standpoint poses difficulties as the jurisdiction over turtles belongs to the State according to the Federal Constitution. For the Federal government to enact such comprehensive laws, the Federal Constitution will need to be amended,” according to WWF-Malaysia’s Policy Coordinator, Ms Preetha Sankar.
She added that it is absolutely imperative that if turtles are to have a chance at survival, Federal intervention, mandate, resolve and resources must be expressed and facilitated through such Federal laws.
WWF-Malaysia has through the memorandum called on the Prime Minister to give this issue attention at the cabinet level and initiate various consultations and policy dialogues with relevant Ministries, State Excos, the Attorney General’s Chambers, scientists and NGOs alike.
This memorandum also contains opinions by renowned turtle scientists and legal experts. WWF-Malaysia intends to make this memorandum public very soon.
“We need to bring the battle to save our turtles to Parliament. We hope that our Prime Minister will initiate pivotal changes that will set the course right for these iconic species. It is still not too late,” added Dato’ Dr Sharma.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Turtles killed 'in millions' by fishing gear
Millions of marine turtles have been killed over the past two decades through entrapment in fishing gear, according to a global survey.
Described as the first global synthesis of existing data, the study found especially high rates of "bycatch" in the Mediterranean and eastern Pacific.
Six of the seven sea turtle types are on the Red List of Threatened Species.
Writing in the journal Conservation Letters, researchers advocate much greater use of gear safe for turtles.
These include circular hooks rather than the conventional J-shaped hooks on long fishing lines, and hatches that allow the reptiles to escape from trawls.
Turtles must come to the surface to breathe.
When they are caught in a net or on a fishing hook, they cannot surface, and drown.
Lead researcher Bryan Wallace said the state of the world's turtles was an indicator of the wider health of the oceans.
"Sea turtles are sentinel species of how oceans are functioning," he said.
"The impacts that human activities have on them give us an idea as to how those same activities are affecting the oceans on which billions of people around the world depend for their own well-being."
Dr Wallace works in the global marine division of Conservation International and at Duke University in the US.
Off target
The raw material from the study came from records of bycatch - incidental catches in fishing gear - from different regions of the world.
Over the period 1990-2008, records showed that more than 85,000 turtles were snared.
However, those records covered a tiny proportion of the world's total fishing fleets.
"Because the reports we reviewed typically covered less than 1% of all fleets, with little or no information from small-scale fisheries around the world, we conservatively estimate that the true total is probably not in tens of thousands, but in the millions of turtles taken as bycatch in the past two decades," said Dr Wallace.
Three types of fishing gear are identified in the survey - long-lines, gillnets and trawls.
Modern long-line boats trail strings of hooks that can be 40km long, usually in search of high-value species such as tuna and marlin.
Gillnets are usually stationary, and use mesh of a set size in an attempt to target certain species of fish.
The researchers suggest that several areas of the world account for particularly high levels of bycatch - the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean for all types of gear, together with trawling operations off the west coast of Africa.
Catches cut
Modifying fishing gear can have a dramatic impact on the size of bycatch.
Shrimp trawls fitted with turtle excluder devices (TEDs) catch markedly fewer of the reptiles.
A grid prevents anything large from entering the back portion of the net, and a hole above the grid allows accidentally snared animals such as turtles to escape.
A number of countries now require that shrimp boats must use nets fitted with TEDs.
The circular long-line hooks also reduce bycatch of birds such as albatrosses.
However, some fleets have resisted adopting selective gear because fishermen believe it will reduce their catch.
In many parts of the developing world, the gear is not available.
Marine turtles face other significant threats.
Debris in the oceans, such as plastic bags, can also cause drowning, while development in coastal regions can affect nesting and reproduction.
Some turtles are still targeted for meat, and their shells used for tourist souvenirs.
Numbers of adult leatherbacks - the largest species, growing to more than 2m long and capable of journeys that span entire oceans - are thought to have declined by more than 75% between 1982 and 1996.
Commercial Fishing Estimated to Kill Millions of Sea Turtles
ScienceDaily 6 Apr 10;
The number of sea turtles inadvertently snared by commercial fishing gear over the past 20 years may reach into the millions, according to the first peer-reviewed study to compile sea turtle bycatch data from gillnet, trawl and longline fisheries worldwide.
The study, which was published online April 6 in the journal Conservation Letters, analyzed data compiled from peer-reviewed papers, government reports, technical reports, and symposia proceedings published between 1990 and 2008. All data were based on direct onboard observations or interviews with fishermen. The study did not include data from recreational fishing.
Each dot on the map represents a previous study that was included in this analysis. (Credit: Conservation International)
Six of the world's seven species of sea turtles are currently listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
"Direct onboard observations and interviews with fishermen indicate that about 85,000 turtles were caught between 1990 and 2008. But because these reports cover less than one percent of all fleets, with little or no information from small-scale fisheries around the world, we conservatively estimate that the true total is at least two orders of magnitude higher," said Bryan Wallace, lead author of the new paper.
Wallace is the science advisor for the Sea Turtle Flagship Program at Conservation International and an adjunct assistant professor at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. Most of his co-authors are researchers at Duke's Center for Marine Conservation.
Their global data review revealed that the highest reported bycatch rates for longline fisheries occurred off Mexico's Baja California peninsula, the highest rates for gillnet fishing took place in the North Adriatic region of the Mediterranean and the highest rates for trawls occurred off the coast of Uruguay.
When bycatch rates and amounts of observed fishing activity for all three gear types were combined and ranked across regions, four regions emerged as the overall most urgent conservation priorities: the East Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Southwest Atlantic, and the Northwest Atlantic.
"Although our numbers are estimates, they highlight clearly the importance of guidelines for fishing equipment and practices to help reduce these losses," Wallace said.
Effective measures to reduce turtle bycatch include the use of circle hooks and fish bait in longline fisheries, and Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawling. Many of the most effective types of gear modifications, Wallace noted, have been developed by fishermen themselves.
Wallace said the Hawaiian longline fishery and the Australian prawn fishery have significantly reduced bycatch through close working relationships between fishermen and government managers, use of onboard observers, mandatory gear modifications and innovative technologies. TurtleWatch, a real-time database that provides daily updates on water temperatures and other conditions indicating where turtles might be found, has guided fishermen to avoid setting their gear in those areas.
Other approaches, such as the creation of marine protected areas and use of catch shares, also reduce bycatch, preserve marine biodiversity and promote healthy fish stocks in some cases, he said.
"Fisheries bycatch is the most acute threat to worldwide sea turtle populations today. Many animals die or are injured as a result of these interactions," Wallace said. "But our message is that it's not a lost cause. Managers and fishers have tools they can use to reduce bycatch, preserve marine biodiversity and promote healthy fish stocks, so that everyone wins, including turtles."
The study stems from work Wallace began in 2005 as a postdoctoral research associate at the Duke University Marine Lab, where he helped develop the first global bycatch database for longline fisheries. That work was part of a three-year initiative called Project GloBAL (Global By-catch Assessment of Long-lived Species).
Co-authors on the new study -- all of whom were part of the Project GloBAL team -- are Rebecca L. Lewison of San Diego State University; Sara L. McDonald of Duke's Center for Marine Conservation; Richard K. McDonald of the Center for Marine Conservation and the University of Richmond; Connie Y. Kot of the Center for Marine Conservation and the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment; and Shaleyla Kelez, Rhema K. Bjorkland, Elena M. Finkbeiner, S'rai Heimbrecht and Larry B. Crowder, all of the Center for Marine Conservation. Crowder is director of the center and the Stephen Toth Professor of Marine Biology at the Nicholas School. Lewison formerly was a research associate at the Duke Marine Lab.
Described as the first global synthesis of existing data, the study found especially high rates of "bycatch" in the Mediterranean and eastern Pacific.
Six of the seven sea turtle types are on the Red List of Threatened Species.
Writing in the journal Conservation Letters, researchers advocate much greater use of gear safe for turtles.
These include circular hooks rather than the conventional J-shaped hooks on long fishing lines, and hatches that allow the reptiles to escape from trawls.
Turtles must come to the surface to breathe.
When they are caught in a net or on a fishing hook, they cannot surface, and drown.
Lead researcher Bryan Wallace said the state of the world's turtles was an indicator of the wider health of the oceans.
"Sea turtles are sentinel species of how oceans are functioning," he said.
"The impacts that human activities have on them give us an idea as to how those same activities are affecting the oceans on which billions of people around the world depend for their own well-being."
Dr Wallace works in the global marine division of Conservation International and at Duke University in the US.
Off target
The raw material from the study came from records of bycatch - incidental catches in fishing gear - from different regions of the world.
Over the period 1990-2008, records showed that more than 85,000 turtles were snared.
However, those records covered a tiny proportion of the world's total fishing fleets.
"Because the reports we reviewed typically covered less than 1% of all fleets, with little or no information from small-scale fisheries around the world, we conservatively estimate that the true total is probably not in tens of thousands, but in the millions of turtles taken as bycatch in the past two decades," said Dr Wallace.
Three types of fishing gear are identified in the survey - long-lines, gillnets and trawls.
Modern long-line boats trail strings of hooks that can be 40km long, usually in search of high-value species such as tuna and marlin.
Gillnets are usually stationary, and use mesh of a set size in an attempt to target certain species of fish.
The researchers suggest that several areas of the world account for particularly high levels of bycatch - the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean for all types of gear, together with trawling operations off the west coast of Africa.
Catches cut
Modifying fishing gear can have a dramatic impact on the size of bycatch.
Shrimp trawls fitted with turtle excluder devices (TEDs) catch markedly fewer of the reptiles.
A grid prevents anything large from entering the back portion of the net, and a hole above the grid allows accidentally snared animals such as turtles to escape.
A number of countries now require that shrimp boats must use nets fitted with TEDs.
The circular long-line hooks also reduce bycatch of birds such as albatrosses.
However, some fleets have resisted adopting selective gear because fishermen believe it will reduce their catch.
In many parts of the developing world, the gear is not available.
Marine turtles face other significant threats.
Debris in the oceans, such as plastic bags, can also cause drowning, while development in coastal regions can affect nesting and reproduction.
Some turtles are still targeted for meat, and their shells used for tourist souvenirs.
Numbers of adult leatherbacks - the largest species, growing to more than 2m long and capable of journeys that span entire oceans - are thought to have declined by more than 75% between 1982 and 1996.
Commercial Fishing Estimated to Kill Millions of Sea Turtles
ScienceDaily 6 Apr 10;
The number of sea turtles inadvertently snared by commercial fishing gear over the past 20 years may reach into the millions, according to the first peer-reviewed study to compile sea turtle bycatch data from gillnet, trawl and longline fisheries worldwide.
The study, which was published online April 6 in the journal Conservation Letters, analyzed data compiled from peer-reviewed papers, government reports, technical reports, and symposia proceedings published between 1990 and 2008. All data were based on direct onboard observations or interviews with fishermen. The study did not include data from recreational fishing.
Each dot on the map represents a previous study that was included in this analysis. (Credit: Conservation International)
Six of the world's seven species of sea turtles are currently listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
"Direct onboard observations and interviews with fishermen indicate that about 85,000 turtles were caught between 1990 and 2008. But because these reports cover less than one percent of all fleets, with little or no information from small-scale fisheries around the world, we conservatively estimate that the true total is at least two orders of magnitude higher," said Bryan Wallace, lead author of the new paper.
Wallace is the science advisor for the Sea Turtle Flagship Program at Conservation International and an adjunct assistant professor at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. Most of his co-authors are researchers at Duke's Center for Marine Conservation.
Their global data review revealed that the highest reported bycatch rates for longline fisheries occurred off Mexico's Baja California peninsula, the highest rates for gillnet fishing took place in the North Adriatic region of the Mediterranean and the highest rates for trawls occurred off the coast of Uruguay.
When bycatch rates and amounts of observed fishing activity for all three gear types were combined and ranked across regions, four regions emerged as the overall most urgent conservation priorities: the East Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Southwest Atlantic, and the Northwest Atlantic.
"Although our numbers are estimates, they highlight clearly the importance of guidelines for fishing equipment and practices to help reduce these losses," Wallace said.
Effective measures to reduce turtle bycatch include the use of circle hooks and fish bait in longline fisheries, and Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawling. Many of the most effective types of gear modifications, Wallace noted, have been developed by fishermen themselves.
Wallace said the Hawaiian longline fishery and the Australian prawn fishery have significantly reduced bycatch through close working relationships between fishermen and government managers, use of onboard observers, mandatory gear modifications and innovative technologies. TurtleWatch, a real-time database that provides daily updates on water temperatures and other conditions indicating where turtles might be found, has guided fishermen to avoid setting their gear in those areas.
Other approaches, such as the creation of marine protected areas and use of catch shares, also reduce bycatch, preserve marine biodiversity and promote healthy fish stocks in some cases, he said.
"Fisheries bycatch is the most acute threat to worldwide sea turtle populations today. Many animals die or are injured as a result of these interactions," Wallace said. "But our message is that it's not a lost cause. Managers and fishers have tools they can use to reduce bycatch, preserve marine biodiversity and promote healthy fish stocks, so that everyone wins, including turtles."
The study stems from work Wallace began in 2005 as a postdoctoral research associate at the Duke University Marine Lab, where he helped develop the first global bycatch database for longline fisheries. That work was part of a three-year initiative called Project GloBAL (Global By-catch Assessment of Long-lived Species).
Co-authors on the new study -- all of whom were part of the Project GloBAL team -- are Rebecca L. Lewison of San Diego State University; Sara L. McDonald of Duke's Center for Marine Conservation; Richard K. McDonald of the Center for Marine Conservation and the University of Richmond; Connie Y. Kot of the Center for Marine Conservation and the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment; and Shaleyla Kelez, Rhema K. Bjorkland, Elena M. Finkbeiner, S'rai Heimbrecht and Larry B. Crowder, all of the Center for Marine Conservation. Crowder is director of the center and the Stephen Toth Professor of Marine Biology at the Nicholas School. Lewison formerly was a research associate at the Duke Marine Lab.
For Sydney's sea turtles, survival still hangs in the balance
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7964186368159THE green turtles of Sydney Harbour tell a tale of two cities.
That these endangered reptiles regularly visit to graze on seagrass meadows in the middle of a big city, and some have even made the harbour their home, attests to the improving health of Sydney's main waterway.
This week, the Herald delves into the state of our harbour, and its changing life both above and below the waterline.
The turtles - with the mussels that crowd on to channel markers and the seahorses that wrap themselves around shark nets - are a good sign the estuary is becoming cleaner.
Yet for a 13-year-old sea scout, Julia Spragg, her first encounter with a green turtle was far from a good experience.
With one flipper entangled in fishing line that had cut to the bone, another flipper severed, and deep tackle wounds to its neck, the animal had little chance of survival.
When fellow members of the 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts found its mangled body while kayaking in the beautiful reaches of Middle Harbour, they were sad to see how much it had suffered.
''It was not nice,'' said Julia.
This young guardian of the harbour wishes more people, particularly those fishing, could see the devastating results of leaving bottles, bait bags and tackle around.
''If you see rubbish, just pick it up. It's not a big job,'' she said.
Geoff Ross, a wildlife management officer with NSW National Parks, said the entangled turtle might have been a long-time harbour resident, and its recent death was a concern.
''The loss of just one breeding-sized individual can have an impact on the species,'' he said.
Although remedies such as waste-retention traps on stormwater outlets had significantly decreased the amount of debris entering the harbour, individuals could do more, he said.
The pollution we can see in the harbour is just one of the many man-made threats to the estuary. These range from an industrial legacy of dumping toxic metals in its sediments to the future effects of global warming.
An increase in sightings of sea turtles, which prefer warmer climes, could be a sign conservation strategies were having an effect but it could also be linked to climate change, Mr Ross said.
Archaeological material from middens at Balmoral Beach and Cammeray suggests Aborigines might have eaten turtles, although Val Attenbrow, of the Australian Museum, said the evidence was not conclusive, with only some bone fragments found. The East Australian Current, a conveyor belt from the tropics on which the turtles ride, is strengthening, with warmer, saltier water found 350 kilometres further south than 60 years ago.
An influx of tropical fish has made the harbour even more of a wonderland for underwater photographers, bringing rare species such as a pair of ornate ghost pipefish that were recently spotted in Chowder Bay.
While more than 570 kinds of fish have been identified - many more than the 350 types found in the whole of Europe - for fishing guide, Craig McGill, it is not the fish, or the the visiting dolphins and whales, or even the fairy penguins, that epitomise the big improvements he has seen in water quality in the past 20 years.
It is the filter feeders on the marinas, pylons and piers. Middle Harbour has an abundance of oysters, he said.
''And the channel markers in the main harbour have had a growth of mussels we've never seen before.''
A ban on anti-fouling paint containing tributyltin was a large contributor. And improvements in the management of sewage and stormwater have reduced other microscopic pollutants.
Twenty-four of 28 swimming sites in the harbour complied 100 per cent of the time with bacterial guidelines between October 2008 and April 2009.
But February this year was a very different story, as the sea scouts of Sailors Bay well know. When any of them fell into the water, they were quickly ushered out to have a shower.
The heavy rains washed debris and road run-off into the harbour, said scout leader, Adrian Spragg . ''It smelt and it was oily.''
In February, only three swimming sites - Redleaf Pool, Nielsen Park and Watsons Bay - passed safety tests, according to Harbourwatch.
This run-off is why the sediments in Sydney Harbour remain some of the most contaminated in the world.
Stuart Taylor, an expert on the harbour bed, said there are almost 21 million tonnes of contaminated sediments, containing thousands of tonnes of copper, lead and zinc, as well as pesticides and other chemicals.
''This is where the detritus of civilisation ends up. Everyone living in the catchment contributes,'' Dr Taylor said.
When there is low rainfall, the contaminants settle quickly and when the sediments are disturbed, they tend to fall back in much the same area, rather than spread.
About 1.5 centimetres of sediments are deposited each year, but rather than providing a fresh top layer, worms and shrimps burrow into the mud and mix it up, he said.
More than 90 per cent of the harbour contains contaminants in surface sediments that exceed guidelines based on US studies. This could be having adverse ecological effects, said Dr Taylor of Geochemical Assessments, who carried out his studies with Associate Professor Gavin Birch at the University of Sydney's School of Geosciences.
Some hot spots, like Homebush Bay, have undergone remediation, but others, where there is no industrial culprit to pay for a risk assessment and clean-up, and where any evidence of effects on human health is lacking, remain untouched.
One of the first studies on the effects of the sediments has been done by Nathan Knott and Emma Johnston of the University of NSW and Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
Surprisingly, being repeatedly doused in heavily contaminated sediments from Rozelle Bay for 10 days had no effect on a range of creatures, including sea squirts and sponges.
But ''further research is required to assess the potential impacts of long-term exposure,'' the scientists said.264062
That these endangered reptiles regularly visit to graze on seagrass meadows in the middle of a big city, and some have even made the harbour their home, attests to the improving health of Sydney's main waterway.
This week, the Herald delves into the state of our harbour, and its changing life both above and below the waterline.
The turtles - with the mussels that crowd on to channel markers and the seahorses that wrap themselves around shark nets - are a good sign the estuary is becoming cleaner.
Yet for a 13-year-old sea scout, Julia Spragg, her first encounter with a green turtle was far from a good experience.
With one flipper entangled in fishing line that had cut to the bone, another flipper severed, and deep tackle wounds to its neck, the animal had little chance of survival.
When fellow members of the 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts found its mangled body while kayaking in the beautiful reaches of Middle Harbour, they were sad to see how much it had suffered.
''It was not nice,'' said Julia.
This young guardian of the harbour wishes more people, particularly those fishing, could see the devastating results of leaving bottles, bait bags and tackle around.
''If you see rubbish, just pick it up. It's not a big job,'' she said.
Geoff Ross, a wildlife management officer with NSW National Parks, said the entangled turtle might have been a long-time harbour resident, and its recent death was a concern.
''The loss of just one breeding-sized individual can have an impact on the species,'' he said.
Although remedies such as waste-retention traps on stormwater outlets had significantly decreased the amount of debris entering the harbour, individuals could do more, he said.
The pollution we can see in the harbour is just one of the many man-made threats to the estuary. These range from an industrial legacy of dumping toxic metals in its sediments to the future effects of global warming.
An increase in sightings of sea turtles, which prefer warmer climes, could be a sign conservation strategies were having an effect but it could also be linked to climate change, Mr Ross said.
Archaeological material from middens at Balmoral Beach and Cammeray suggests Aborigines might have eaten turtles, although Val Attenbrow, of the Australian Museum, said the evidence was not conclusive, with only some bone fragments found. The East Australian Current, a conveyor belt from the tropics on which the turtles ride, is strengthening, with warmer, saltier water found 350 kilometres further south than 60 years ago.
An influx of tropical fish has made the harbour even more of a wonderland for underwater photographers, bringing rare species such as a pair of ornate ghost pipefish that were recently spotted in Chowder Bay.
While more than 570 kinds of fish have been identified - many more than the 350 types found in the whole of Europe - for fishing guide, Craig McGill, it is not the fish, or the the visiting dolphins and whales, or even the fairy penguins, that epitomise the big improvements he has seen in water quality in the past 20 years.
It is the filter feeders on the marinas, pylons and piers. Middle Harbour has an abundance of oysters, he said.
''And the channel markers in the main harbour have had a growth of mussels we've never seen before.''
A ban on anti-fouling paint containing tributyltin was a large contributor. And improvements in the management of sewage and stormwater have reduced other microscopic pollutants.
Twenty-four of 28 swimming sites in the harbour complied 100 per cent of the time with bacterial guidelines between October 2008 and April 2009.
But February this year was a very different story, as the sea scouts of Sailors Bay well know. When any of them fell into the water, they were quickly ushered out to have a shower.
The heavy rains washed debris and road run-off into the harbour, said scout leader, Adrian Spragg . ''It smelt and it was oily.''
In February, only three swimming sites - Redleaf Pool, Nielsen Park and Watsons Bay - passed safety tests, according to Harbourwatch.
This run-off is why the sediments in Sydney Harbour remain some of the most contaminated in the world.
Stuart Taylor, an expert on the harbour bed, said there are almost 21 million tonnes of contaminated sediments, containing thousands of tonnes of copper, lead and zinc, as well as pesticides and other chemicals.
''This is where the detritus of civilisation ends up. Everyone living in the catchment contributes,'' Dr Taylor said.
When there is low rainfall, the contaminants settle quickly and when the sediments are disturbed, they tend to fall back in much the same area, rather than spread.
About 1.5 centimetres of sediments are deposited each year, but rather than providing a fresh top layer, worms and shrimps burrow into the mud and mix it up, he said.
More than 90 per cent of the harbour contains contaminants in surface sediments that exceed guidelines based on US studies. This could be having adverse ecological effects, said Dr Taylor of Geochemical Assessments, who carried out his studies with Associate Professor Gavin Birch at the University of Sydney's School of Geosciences.
Some hot spots, like Homebush Bay, have undergone remediation, but others, where there is no industrial culprit to pay for a risk assessment and clean-up, and where any evidence of effects on human health is lacking, remain untouched.
One of the first studies on the effects of the sediments has been done by Nathan Knott and Emma Johnston of the University of NSW and Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
Surprisingly, being repeatedly doused in heavily contaminated sediments from Rozelle Bay for 10 days had no effect on a range of creatures, including sea squirts and sponges.
But ''further research is required to assess the potential impacts of long-term exposure,'' the scientists said.264062
One dead, dozens treated after consuming turtle meat in West Sumatra
A 57-year-old man died and 139 residents of South Pagai Island, in Mentawai, West Sumatra, have been treated for food poisoning after consuming the meat of a leatherback turtle.
Tiolina Saogo, chief of South Pagai public health center, told The Jakarta Post 30 residents had been put under intensive care.
“We had to treat the others at their homes because of insufficient facilities on the island,” Tiolina said.
Residents of Maonai and Mapinang coastal hamlets caught the 40-kilogram turtle two weeks ago and split the meat between the hamlets.
“A few days later, all the residents that ate the meat suffered dizziness, nausea and vomiting. A man named Osael died four days after he had eaten the meat,” Tiolina said.
The health official only became aware of the mass poisoning earlier in the week after a number of residents came to the health center for treatment.
There are frequent deaths from turtle-meat poisoning on the islands off the West Sumatran coast.
Three have died in a village on South Pagai Island and two others on Siberut Island in the past two months.
Local authorities have repeatedly warned residents about their turtle-consuming habit. Aside from pork, turtle meat is the main cuisine at local traditional feasts.
Tiolina Saogo, chief of South Pagai public health center, told The Jakarta Post 30 residents had been put under intensive care.
“We had to treat the others at their homes because of insufficient facilities on the island,” Tiolina said.
Residents of Maonai and Mapinang coastal hamlets caught the 40-kilogram turtle two weeks ago and split the meat between the hamlets.
“A few days later, all the residents that ate the meat suffered dizziness, nausea and vomiting. A man named Osael died four days after he had eaten the meat,” Tiolina said.
The health official only became aware of the mass poisoning earlier in the week after a number of residents came to the health center for treatment.
There are frequent deaths from turtle-meat poisoning on the islands off the West Sumatran coast.
Three have died in a village on South Pagai Island and two others on Siberut Island in the past two months.
Local authorities have repeatedly warned residents about their turtle-consuming habit. Aside from pork, turtle meat is the main cuisine at local traditional feasts.
Phuket leatherback sea turtle eggs fail to hatch
MAI KHAO, PHUKET: Hopes that two clutches of eggs could spell a reversal of fortune for Phuket’s endangered leatherback sea turtle population were dashed last month when the eggs failed to hatch.
Mai Khao Sea Turtle Conservation Group member Somporn Anupun said the 130 eggs, laid in mid-January, failed to hatch as expected in March.
The two clutches, thought to have been laid by the same female, were the first in several years at Mai Khao Beach, once famed nationwide for the scores of enormous leatherback turtles that came to nest there. Little remains of that legacy apart from tourist attractions with turtle-themed names.
The eggs appeared to be viable, but after the expected hatching period, a look inside revealed the albumen was watery. This indicated they had never been fertilized, Mr Somporn said.
Kongkiet Kittiratanawong, a researcher at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), agreed with this assessment.
The failure of the eggs to hatch had not been caused by volunteers moving them to a safe location on the beach after they were discovered, he said.
The PMBC often incubates and raises hatchlings at its facilities at Cape Panwa, but not the highly pelagic leatherback, which does not do well in captivity, he told the Gazette earlier.
A similar clutch of unfertilized leatherback eggs was found at Mai Khao in 2004, he said.
Despite the disappointment in Phuket, it has been a good year for leatherback nesting along other parts of Thailand’s Andaman coastline.
More eggs were laid this nesting season than over the last five, with clutches reported at Thai Muang Beach and Koh Phrathong in Phang Nga, and Koh Lanta in Krabi.
Only the eggs at Thai Muang were viable however, with a 70% to 80% hatching rate.
Leatherbacks typically lay clutches of around 80 fertilized eggs together with 30 smaller unfertilized eggs. The incubation period is about 65 days.
Mai Khao Sea Turtle Conservation Group member Somporn Anupun said the 130 eggs, laid in mid-January, failed to hatch as expected in March.
The two clutches, thought to have been laid by the same female, were the first in several years at Mai Khao Beach, once famed nationwide for the scores of enormous leatherback turtles that came to nest there. Little remains of that legacy apart from tourist attractions with turtle-themed names.
The eggs appeared to be viable, but after the expected hatching period, a look inside revealed the albumen was watery. This indicated they had never been fertilized, Mr Somporn said.
Kongkiet Kittiratanawong, a researcher at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), agreed with this assessment.
The failure of the eggs to hatch had not been caused by volunteers moving them to a safe location on the beach after they were discovered, he said.
The PMBC often incubates and raises hatchlings at its facilities at Cape Panwa, but not the highly pelagic leatherback, which does not do well in captivity, he told the Gazette earlier.
A similar clutch of unfertilized leatherback eggs was found at Mai Khao in 2004, he said.
Despite the disappointment in Phuket, it has been a good year for leatherback nesting along other parts of Thailand’s Andaman coastline.
More eggs were laid this nesting season than over the last five, with clutches reported at Thai Muang Beach and Koh Phrathong in Phang Nga, and Koh Lanta in Krabi.
Only the eggs at Thai Muang were viable however, with a 70% to 80% hatching rate.
Leatherbacks typically lay clutches of around 80 fertilized eggs together with 30 smaller unfertilized eggs. The incubation period is about 65 days.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Hundreds of Olive Ridley turtle eggs washed away
Bhubaneswar, April 1 (IANS) Despite various preservation measures, hundreds of rare Olive Ridley turtle eggs were washed away in tidal waves in Rushikulya beach, one of the three mass nesting sites in Orissa.
High tidal waves exposed the nesting sites, leading to a loss of hundreds of eggs in Rushikulya beach in Orissa’s Ganjam district.
“Eggs are getting lost since the mass nesting started. The high tide during full moon and new moon are creating havoc on the turtle nests,” said Rabindra Sahu, secretary of Rushikulya Turtle Surakshya Samiti - a voluntary organisation.
“It is a natural loss. We are trying our best to save the eggs through our staff members and voluntary organisations,” said Ajay Kumar Jena, district forest officer of Berhampur.
However, environmentalists are worried about the huge loss of Olive Ridley turtle eggs.
“A huge number of eggs are getting lost to tidal waves. We can save them by relocating the eggs from the shore till the hatchlings come out,” said an environmentalist.
Rushikulya beach is about 175 km from here.
High tidal waves exposed the nesting sites, leading to a loss of hundreds of eggs in Rushikulya beach in Orissa’s Ganjam district.
“Eggs are getting lost since the mass nesting started. The high tide during full moon and new moon are creating havoc on the turtle nests,” said Rabindra Sahu, secretary of Rushikulya Turtle Surakshya Samiti - a voluntary organisation.
“It is a natural loss. We are trying our best to save the eggs through our staff members and voluntary organisations,” said Ajay Kumar Jena, district forest officer of Berhampur.
However, environmentalists are worried about the huge loss of Olive Ridley turtle eggs.
“A huge number of eggs are getting lost to tidal waves. We can save them by relocating the eggs from the shore till the hatchlings come out,” said an environmentalist.
Rushikulya beach is about 175 km from here.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
City pollution harms sea turtles
University of Queensland researchers have discovered that one of the effects of inceased human population is stress being placed on the environment leading to sick turtles.
Staff from the Veterinary Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation (Vet-MARTI) unit within the School of Veterinary Science have been conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the diseases and causes of death in green and loggerhead turtles in Southern Queensland.
Director of Vet-MARTI, Dr Mark Flint, has found that these turtles are dying due to the environment they live in, rather than from the ingestion of foreign items.
“The increases in disease syndromes we are seeing within Moreton Bay are likely to be caused by environmental stressors reducing the quality of the waters in which the turtles live," Dr Flint said.
"This contrasts to open ocean studies that have focused on the ingestion of items such as garbage bags, shredded plastic and ghost nets,” Dr Flint said.
“There is a growing body of evidence that increased populations in major cities such as Brisbane are having an effect on the health of marine turtles.”
Dr Flint said findings conducted by Vet-MARTI had shown that green turtles found stranded within the shallow waters of Moreton Bay were dying due to parasites, gastrointestinal disorders and infectious diseases. This differed from reports of turtle deaths studied in deep waters outside of the Bay.
“The approach we have taken to this investigation has allowed us to make more accurate diagnoses of diseases and causes of death," he said.
"We have established baseline medical data to determine which animals are ‘healthy' and used this to compare with ‘unhealthy' animals to diagnose diseases through working with a variety of veterinary specialists and expert biologists.”
Dr Flint believes they have only just begun and need to continue to discover improved and more accurate ways of identifying diseases in turtles and other marine animals.
“We need to use these findings to help rehabilitation centres attempting to save these animals, work these results into Marine Area Protection management plans and raise public awareness,” Dr Flint said.
This project has been running for three years and is a joint collaboration with Australia Zoo, Sea World, Underwater World and the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Staff from the Veterinary Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation (Vet-MARTI) unit within the School of Veterinary Science have been conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the diseases and causes of death in green and loggerhead turtles in Southern Queensland.
Director of Vet-MARTI, Dr Mark Flint, has found that these turtles are dying due to the environment they live in, rather than from the ingestion of foreign items.
“The increases in disease syndromes we are seeing within Moreton Bay are likely to be caused by environmental stressors reducing the quality of the waters in which the turtles live," Dr Flint said.
"This contrasts to open ocean studies that have focused on the ingestion of items such as garbage bags, shredded plastic and ghost nets,” Dr Flint said.
“There is a growing body of evidence that increased populations in major cities such as Brisbane are having an effect on the health of marine turtles.”
Dr Flint said findings conducted by Vet-MARTI had shown that green turtles found stranded within the shallow waters of Moreton Bay were dying due to parasites, gastrointestinal disorders and infectious diseases. This differed from reports of turtle deaths studied in deep waters outside of the Bay.
“The approach we have taken to this investigation has allowed us to make more accurate diagnoses of diseases and causes of death," he said.
"We have established baseline medical data to determine which animals are ‘healthy' and used this to compare with ‘unhealthy' animals to diagnose diseases through working with a variety of veterinary specialists and expert biologists.”
Dr Flint believes they have only just begun and need to continue to discover improved and more accurate ways of identifying diseases in turtles and other marine animals.
“We need to use these findings to help rehabilitation centres attempting to save these animals, work these results into Marine Area Protection management plans and raise public awareness,” Dr Flint said.
This project has been running for three years and is a joint collaboration with Australia Zoo, Sea World, Underwater World and the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Endangered listing eyed for US loggerhead turtles
Jay Lindsay, Associated Press Yahoo News 11 Mar 10;
BOSTON – The federal government on Wednesday recommended an endangered-species listing for the loggerhead turtles in U.S. waters, a decision that could lead to tighter restrictions on fishing and other maritime trades.
The massive, nomadic sea turtles have been listed since 1978 as threatened, a step below endangered, but federal scientists proposed ratcheting up the designation after reviewing the state of the species.
Researchers said primary threats to the loggerheads include injury and death from fishing gear and damage to their nesting areas.
The joint proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fisheries division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not a final decision. If approved, it puts loggerheads on track for an endangered listing by the summer of 2011. The proposal now enters a public comment period.
Environmental groups who'd been pushing an endangered listing said the proposal was a "turning point" they hope will lead to greater turtle protections.
"I think it's huge day for loggerhead sea turtles," said Elizabeth Griffin, a marine wildlife scientist at Oceana. "I think it really draws attention to the fact these turtles are not doing well and more needs to be done to protect them."
No one really knows how many loggerheads there are, or how many are being killed by fishing gear or other activities. A species doesn't need falling numbers to be endangered, it can get the listing if it's shown to be threatened by one of five factors, such as disease or "manmade factors affecting its continued existence."
Griffin cites a 40 percent drop in the number of nesting females in Florida over the last decade as evidence of trouble. But the Fisheries Survival Fund, an East Coast scallopers group, said in a letter early this month that nesting beach surveys can't provide good evidence of decline because they measure only mature females, who take at least 30 years to reach breeding age.
Shaun Gehan, an attorney for the Fisheries Survival Fund, said an endangered listing is unneeded for a species there's no evidence is in danger of extinction. If new protections are mandated for the turtle, it could affect not only fishermen, but maritime traffic, coastal development and waterfront use, Gehan said.
"We are extremely disappointed that they've taken this approach," he said.
Loggerheads are named for their large heads, which contain potent jaws that can crush the hard shells of prey such as conch. The turtles are about the size of a fist when they hatch and make a frenzied dash to the surf. But they typically grow to more than three feet in length and 250 pounds. The animal can log thousands of miles as it travels across oceans.
Barbara Schroeder, national sea turtle coordinator for NOAA's fisheries division, said the biggest threats to the North Pacific loggerhead include damage to primary nesting sites, which are mainly in Japan, as well as accidental snaring of the turtles in fishing gear.
Andrea Treece of San Francisco-based Center for Biological Diversity said the turtles get hooked by Hawaiian longline fishermen targeting swordfish and tuna and can be injured or drowned.
On the East Coast, the main threat to turtles is gear from the region's various fisheries, Schroeder said.
Gehan said that scallopers have developed dredges to keep the turtles out with a chain mat that covers the opening. Critics say the dredges keep turtles out, but also crush them, though survival fund officials say there's no evidence of that.
A primary benefit of the endangered status would be increased public pressure on protecting the species, Griffin said. But the government would also have to determine "critical habitats," such as where the turtles reproduce or forage. Such places could be subject to additional protections for the turtles, including restrictions on maritime development or fishing.
A balance needs to be found to help a species Griffin called "the ambassadors of our oceans" because they travel great distances and can be seen up close when they venture on land.
"I think that really gives people an appreciation for our turtles and marine life," she said.
BOSTON – The federal government on Wednesday recommended an endangered-species listing for the loggerhead turtles in U.S. waters, a decision that could lead to tighter restrictions on fishing and other maritime trades.
The massive, nomadic sea turtles have been listed since 1978 as threatened, a step below endangered, but federal scientists proposed ratcheting up the designation after reviewing the state of the species.
Researchers said primary threats to the loggerheads include injury and death from fishing gear and damage to their nesting areas.
The joint proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fisheries division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not a final decision. If approved, it puts loggerheads on track for an endangered listing by the summer of 2011. The proposal now enters a public comment period.
Environmental groups who'd been pushing an endangered listing said the proposal was a "turning point" they hope will lead to greater turtle protections.
"I think it's huge day for loggerhead sea turtles," said Elizabeth Griffin, a marine wildlife scientist at Oceana. "I think it really draws attention to the fact these turtles are not doing well and more needs to be done to protect them."
No one really knows how many loggerheads there are, or how many are being killed by fishing gear or other activities. A species doesn't need falling numbers to be endangered, it can get the listing if it's shown to be threatened by one of five factors, such as disease or "manmade factors affecting its continued existence."
Griffin cites a 40 percent drop in the number of nesting females in Florida over the last decade as evidence of trouble. But the Fisheries Survival Fund, an East Coast scallopers group, said in a letter early this month that nesting beach surveys can't provide good evidence of decline because they measure only mature females, who take at least 30 years to reach breeding age.
Shaun Gehan, an attorney for the Fisheries Survival Fund, said an endangered listing is unneeded for a species there's no evidence is in danger of extinction. If new protections are mandated for the turtle, it could affect not only fishermen, but maritime traffic, coastal development and waterfront use, Gehan said.
"We are extremely disappointed that they've taken this approach," he said.
Loggerheads are named for their large heads, which contain potent jaws that can crush the hard shells of prey such as conch. The turtles are about the size of a fist when they hatch and make a frenzied dash to the surf. But they typically grow to more than three feet in length and 250 pounds. The animal can log thousands of miles as it travels across oceans.
Barbara Schroeder, national sea turtle coordinator for NOAA's fisheries division, said the biggest threats to the North Pacific loggerhead include damage to primary nesting sites, which are mainly in Japan, as well as accidental snaring of the turtles in fishing gear.
Andrea Treece of San Francisco-based Center for Biological Diversity said the turtles get hooked by Hawaiian longline fishermen targeting swordfish and tuna and can be injured or drowned.
On the East Coast, the main threat to turtles is gear from the region's various fisheries, Schroeder said.
Gehan said that scallopers have developed dredges to keep the turtles out with a chain mat that covers the opening. Critics say the dredges keep turtles out, but also crush them, though survival fund officials say there's no evidence of that.
A primary benefit of the endangered status would be increased public pressure on protecting the species, Griffin said. But the government would also have to determine "critical habitats," such as where the turtles reproduce or forage. Such places could be subject to additional protections for the turtles, including restrictions on maritime development or fishing.
A balance needs to be found to help a species Griffin called "the ambassadors of our oceans" because they travel great distances and can be seen up close when they venture on land.
"I think that really gives people an appreciation for our turtles and marine life," she said.
Gentle threats won’t save the sea turtles in Malaysia
The Star 12 Mar 10;
THE solution is obvious if we really want to save the turtles from extinction, “WWF: Stop eating turtle eggs to save species from extinction” (The Star, March 11). Hit people where it hurts them most – their pockets. And if they value their physical freedom too, put them behind bars for an appreciable period.
If we simply tell people to stop consuming eggs, will that actually make them do so? No, we are Malaysians. Sometimes our gastronomic pleasures overrule what is right or good for us.
I will be the first to admit that when I was a child, turtle eggs were a delicacy and a trip to the east coast is not complete without buying scores of these eggs for our own consumption or for giving away as presents to other members of the family or friends. Sometimes, we would have relatives who lived near the Perak coastal areas who would visit us and bring these eggs as gifts.
After a long absence, our family has resumed trips to the east coast during the school holidays. These eggs are openly on sale. The sad thing is that the vendors are aware that they are doing something illegal.
In the period between being a child and growing up, I have been made aware about these turtles. They have travelled thousands of miles to lay their eggs on our shores, the survival rates for these eggs is very low and many of these turtles die after being caught in fishing nets and the species is dying out.
When I hear people singing praises about the delicate flavour of these eggs, I am appalled. These people are either unaware of the plight of the turtles or could not be bothered.
Thus, we need to raise awareness about the turtles and other endangered species. We need proper and strict enforcement, which Malaysians know is a terrible failing on our part. I recall an incident in Sarawak where turtle eggs were served at an official function. Despite reports that this was a terrible practice, no one was brought to book.
We need adequate punishment. Impose a fine and imprisonment for selling these eggs and also have a similar fine and jail sentence for those buying them. Do not imagine that kind words and pleas, or gentle threats, will make the Malaysian gourmand alter his eating habits. He won’t, but a hefty punishment will.
MARIAM MOKHTAR,
Ipoh.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Increase In Turtle Landings Expected This Year
KUALA TERENGGANU, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Fisheries Department expects the number of turtle landings in the state to increase this compared to last year, as the reptile has been sighted earlier this year.
State Fisheries Department Director Zakaria Ismail said their surveillance discovered turtles landing on Feb 22 in Ma'daerah near here, compared to in March last year.
"This is a sign that turtle landings will increase this year and we plan to buy all the eggs for incubation to prevent turtle extinction in the future," he said when met by Bernama here Tuesday.
He said the department would cooperate with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to continue incubation efforts and ensure the continuation of these species by buying as many eggs from sellers.
Zakaria said till yesterday them department had bought 1,000 turtle eggs from sellers in Kemaman in stages since early this year.
-- BERNAMA
State Fisheries Department Director Zakaria Ismail said their surveillance discovered turtles landing on Feb 22 in Ma'daerah near here, compared to in March last year.
"This is a sign that turtle landings will increase this year and we plan to buy all the eggs for incubation to prevent turtle extinction in the future," he said when met by Bernama here Tuesday.
He said the department would cooperate with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to continue incubation efforts and ensure the continuation of these species by buying as many eggs from sellers.
Zakaria said till yesterday them department had bought 1,000 turtle eggs from sellers in Kemaman in stages since early this year.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, March 5, 2010
Where have all the sea turtles gone?
Simit Bhagat, Times of India 4 Mar 10;
MUMBAI: Conservationists and wildlife experts are understandably worried about the massive decline in the mass nesting colonies of Olive Ridley turtles. In 2008–09, there were as many as 155 turtle nests on beaches across the state's coastline, from which 7,884 hatchlings were released back into the sea. The previous year, 161 turtle nesting spots were recorded. This time around, however, barely 55 nests have been found.
Vishwas Katdare, secretary of Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, an NGO that is working on a turtle conservation project, said: "Between November and March, hundreds of turtles arrive on the coast for mass nesting. By March, many of the eggs hatch and we help release the hatchlings back into the sea. This year, however, there are only 55 nests on the entire coastline, which is a major drop in numbers as compared to previous years." The turtle conservation project is sponsored by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and covers nearly 30 coastal villages in the state.
Every year, naturalists and wildlife experts look forward to the arrival of hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles—a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The mass nesting takes place across beaches at Harihareshwar, Dabhol, Velas, Kelshi and Diveagar among others.
What's worrying experts is that there is little sign of the large herds of turtles along the state's 720-odd km coastline.
Though no scientific study is being carried out on the alarming drop, conservationists believe the cause could be Cyclone Phyan that hit the coast of Maharashtra last year. "The disturbance caused in the sea due to the cyclone could have affected their migration patterns," said Katdare. Other threats include poaching and high mortality rates due to coastal fisheries. "Such a drastic change in the breeding pattern of turtles has never been observed," Katdare added.
There are seven sea turtle species in the world, of which five are found in India. These include Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Leather-Back turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), Loggerhead Sea turtles (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).
MUMBAI: Conservationists and wildlife experts are understandably worried about the massive decline in the mass nesting colonies of Olive Ridley turtles. In 2008–09, there were as many as 155 turtle nests on beaches across the state's coastline, from which 7,884 hatchlings were released back into the sea. The previous year, 161 turtle nesting spots were recorded. This time around, however, barely 55 nests have been found.
Vishwas Katdare, secretary of Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, an NGO that is working on a turtle conservation project, said: "Between November and March, hundreds of turtles arrive on the coast for mass nesting. By March, many of the eggs hatch and we help release the hatchlings back into the sea. This year, however, there are only 55 nests on the entire coastline, which is a major drop in numbers as compared to previous years." The turtle conservation project is sponsored by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and covers nearly 30 coastal villages in the state.
Every year, naturalists and wildlife experts look forward to the arrival of hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles—a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The mass nesting takes place across beaches at Harihareshwar, Dabhol, Velas, Kelshi and Diveagar among others.
What's worrying experts is that there is little sign of the large herds of turtles along the state's 720-odd km coastline.
Though no scientific study is being carried out on the alarming drop, conservationists believe the cause could be Cyclone Phyan that hit the coast of Maharashtra last year. "The disturbance caused in the sea due to the cyclone could have affected their migration patterns," said Katdare. Other threats include poaching and high mortality rates due to coastal fisheries. "Such a drastic change in the breeding pattern of turtles has never been observed," Katdare added.
There are seven sea turtle species in the world, of which five are found in India. These include Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Leather-Back turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), Loggerhead Sea turtles (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Sunday, February 28, 2010
How can accidental captures of loggerhead turtles be reduced?
FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
EurekAlert 26 Feb 10;
Spanish scientists have studied interactions between the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and fishing gear such as longline hooks used at the water surface, mass beachings, and the effects of climate change on these animals.
In order to reduce captures of this marine species without causing economic losses for fishermen, the scientists are proposing that fishing in the summer should only be carried out by night and in areas more than 35 nautical miles from land.
Populations of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are in decline all over the world, and particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, where more than 20,000 animals are accidentally caught each year. Finding responsible and sustainable fisheries solutions was one of the prime objectives of this research study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Applied Ichthyology.
Researchers from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Malaga, the University of Malaga (UMA) and the Sea Classroom, also in Malaga, tested whether using different kinds of animal bait would reduce captures of loggerhead turtles, and how these changes could impact on fishing yields.
The scientists used real commercial fisheries data taken by scientific observers on board fishing boats. The results were clear. "Using fish as bait could greatly reduce incidental catches of loggerhead turtles, but could also severely affect catches of swordfish", José Carlos Báez, lead author and a researcher at the IEO, tells SINC.
The research team also showed that stopping using small molluscs such as squid as bait could not ensure that incidental catches of loggerhead turtles would be prevented, since "as an opportunistic predator it also preys on hooks baited with fish, and can find these more easily when molluscs are used", explains the expert.
The study proposes other measures that, the researchers say, would not involve modifying the equipment used in any way that "could result in low economic yields because of a decline in fish catches", says Báez. These techniques would reduce the number of turtles caught while maintaining fishermen's profits.
"Most accidental catches happen during the day, more than 35 nautical miles from the coast, and in the summer, meaning that it would be enough to limit longline fishing at these times and places in order to drastically reduce captures of this species", says Báez, who adds that these measures should be tested before being adopted.
Longline fishing is practised by 356 vessels in Spanish waters, and provides employment for many coastal towns. However, accidental captures of species such as the loggerhead turtle are also damaging to fishermen's interests, because of the economic losses caused and the time spent in freeing the turtles.
###
References:
Báez, J.C.; Real, R.; Macias, D.; de la Serna, J.M.; Bellido, J.J.; Caminas, J.A. "Captures of swordfish Xiphias gladius Linnaeus 1758 and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta (Linnaeus 1758) associated with different bait combinations in the Western Mediterranean surface longline fishery" Journal of Applied Ichthyology 26(1): 126-127, febrero de 2010.
EurekAlert 26 Feb 10;
Spanish scientists have studied interactions between the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and fishing gear such as longline hooks used at the water surface, mass beachings, and the effects of climate change on these animals.
In order to reduce captures of this marine species without causing economic losses for fishermen, the scientists are proposing that fishing in the summer should only be carried out by night and in areas more than 35 nautical miles from land.
Populations of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are in decline all over the world, and particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, where more than 20,000 animals are accidentally caught each year. Finding responsible and sustainable fisheries solutions was one of the prime objectives of this research study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Applied Ichthyology.
Researchers from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Malaga, the University of Malaga (UMA) and the Sea Classroom, also in Malaga, tested whether using different kinds of animal bait would reduce captures of loggerhead turtles, and how these changes could impact on fishing yields.
The scientists used real commercial fisheries data taken by scientific observers on board fishing boats. The results were clear. "Using fish as bait could greatly reduce incidental catches of loggerhead turtles, but could also severely affect catches of swordfish", José Carlos Báez, lead author and a researcher at the IEO, tells SINC.
The research team also showed that stopping using small molluscs such as squid as bait could not ensure that incidental catches of loggerhead turtles would be prevented, since "as an opportunistic predator it also preys on hooks baited with fish, and can find these more easily when molluscs are used", explains the expert.
The study proposes other measures that, the researchers say, would not involve modifying the equipment used in any way that "could result in low economic yields because of a decline in fish catches", says Báez. These techniques would reduce the number of turtles caught while maintaining fishermen's profits.
"Most accidental catches happen during the day, more than 35 nautical miles from the coast, and in the summer, meaning that it would be enough to limit longline fishing at these times and places in order to drastically reduce captures of this species", says Báez, who adds that these measures should be tested before being adopted.
Longline fishing is practised by 356 vessels in Spanish waters, and provides employment for many coastal towns. However, accidental captures of species such as the loggerhead turtle are also damaging to fishermen's interests, because of the economic losses caused and the time spent in freeing the turtles.
###
References:
Báez, J.C.; Real, R.; Macias, D.; de la Serna, J.M.; Bellido, J.J.; Caminas, J.A. "Captures of swordfish Xiphias gladius Linnaeus 1758 and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta (Linnaeus 1758) associated with different bait combinations in the Western Mediterranean surface longline fishery" Journal of Applied Ichthyology 26(1): 126-127, febrero de 2010.
Sri Lanka pledges to protect sea turtles
Charles Haviland, BBC News 26 Feb 10;
The Sri Lankan government says that it is concerned about the welfare of sea turtles which live and breed on the island's southern coastline.
The authorities say turtle hatcheries are operating there which contravene conservation laws and that they will prosecute those people involved.
Sri Lanka is a vital habitat for sea turtles as five of the seven species come ashore here to lay their eggs.
Watching adult and newly-hatched turtles is also popular with tourists.
That seems to be contributing to the problems faced by these endearing reptiles.
The Sri Lankan Daily Mirror Online website says in a new report that hatcheries which use them for commercial or leisure purposes are harming the species.
Dead hatchling
Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka says that wildlife officers have informed all hatcheries that selling the turtles or using them as meat or for any other commercial purpose is illegal.
"They can only be used for educational purposes," he said. "We've investigated the illegal places and given them warnings not to do that."
Senior wildlife official Sarath Dissanayake told the BBC that turtle hatchlings should have the freedom to walk over the beach to the sea, but hatcheries were illegally putting walls and barriers in their way.
A tourist said he had recently been at a facility where guests were encouraged to pick up baby turtles and "set them free" into the ocean.
He said the place was like a zoo and that at least one hatchling appeared to be dead.
But one hatchery owner told the Daily Mirror Online he is protecting the animals, not profiting from them.
"They have asked us to hatch them on the beaches," he said, "but we can't do that.
"If we wanted to do that, we'd need at least 20,000 soldiers guarding these turtles, because people are hungry for them, most use them as meat."
But the authorities are not convinced. They are preparing new guidelines on how turtle hatcheries should be maintained and say that those who violate them will be prosecuted.
The Sri Lankan government says that it is concerned about the welfare of sea turtles which live and breed on the island's southern coastline.
The authorities say turtle hatcheries are operating there which contravene conservation laws and that they will prosecute those people involved.
Sri Lanka is a vital habitat for sea turtles as five of the seven species come ashore here to lay their eggs.
Watching adult and newly-hatched turtles is also popular with tourists.
That seems to be contributing to the problems faced by these endearing reptiles.
The Sri Lankan Daily Mirror Online website says in a new report that hatcheries which use them for commercial or leisure purposes are harming the species.
Dead hatchling
Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka says that wildlife officers have informed all hatcheries that selling the turtles or using them as meat or for any other commercial purpose is illegal.
"They can only be used for educational purposes," he said. "We've investigated the illegal places and given them warnings not to do that."
Senior wildlife official Sarath Dissanayake told the BBC that turtle hatchlings should have the freedom to walk over the beach to the sea, but hatcheries were illegally putting walls and barriers in their way.
A tourist said he had recently been at a facility where guests were encouraged to pick up baby turtles and "set them free" into the ocean.
He said the place was like a zoo and that at least one hatchling appeared to be dead.
But one hatchery owner told the Daily Mirror Online he is protecting the animals, not profiting from them.
"They have asked us to hatch them on the beaches," he said, "but we can't do that.
"If we wanted to do that, we'd need at least 20,000 soldiers guarding these turtles, because people are hungry for them, most use them as meat."
But the authorities are not convinced. They are preparing new guidelines on how turtle hatcheries should be maintained and say that those who violate them will be prosecuted.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wetlands not wastelands: Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu
Harban Singh, Johor Baru
Letter to the New Straits Times 16 Feb 10;
THE east coast states of the peninsula are home to some of the finest coastlines, national parks and serene islands in Malaysia.
These coastlines have a rich heritage and beautiful natural attractions. Tourism is a potential earner in these states, and more can be done to lure avid nature lovers.
One of the many potential sites in the east coast is the Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu, which has both freshwater and marine species. The Setiu Wetlands supplies between 50 and 60 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia's grouper (Epinephelus spp) juveniles and oyster seeds.
It is, therefore, most disappointing to hear that a 1,000ha aquaculture development project has been approved in Setiu for an integrated shrimp project. This is in total disregard to the vital role of the wetlands to human habitats and livelihoods. Aquaculture projects have destroyed much of the wetlands, especially mangroves, in Thailand and Indonesia. It has led to environmental degradation, ecological damage and caused much pain to the socio-economic position of the local communities. Malaysia must learn from it.
We must preserve these important ecosystems where Malaysian Nature Society and World Wide Fund for Nature have done tremendous field and research work and accumulated valuable data as well as inventories to justify protection. The wetlands qualify to be designated as Ramsar (wetlands of international importance) sites by virtue of their distinctive habitats. Nature lovers are expecting this area to join Tasek Bera, Kinabatangan, Kuching wetlands, Tanjung Piai, Sungai Pulai and Pulau Kukup as the seventh Ramsar site in Malaysia.
The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) authorities, the custodians of this area, have a moral obligation to ensure that all green habitats are protected, through sustainable approaches. It is never too late to rectify a mistake and consult the experts. Setiu should be gazetted as a state park and a Ramsar site, as was done with Pulau Kukup and Tanjung Piai wetlands sites in Johor. Perhaps the ECER could learn from the Iskandar Regional Development Authority how to work with stakeholders to preserve and enhance wetlands. The proposed aquaculture project must be shelved. We don't need more white elephants in Terengganu. We must learn from our past mistakes and recognise that wetlands are not wastelands, but form one of the most productive ecosystems in the world.
Letter to the New Straits Times 16 Feb 10;
THE east coast states of the peninsula are home to some of the finest coastlines, national parks and serene islands in Malaysia.
These coastlines have a rich heritage and beautiful natural attractions. Tourism is a potential earner in these states, and more can be done to lure avid nature lovers.
One of the many potential sites in the east coast is the Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu, which has both freshwater and marine species. The Setiu Wetlands supplies between 50 and 60 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia's grouper (Epinephelus spp) juveniles and oyster seeds.
It is, therefore, most disappointing to hear that a 1,000ha aquaculture development project has been approved in Setiu for an integrated shrimp project. This is in total disregard to the vital role of the wetlands to human habitats and livelihoods. Aquaculture projects have destroyed much of the wetlands, especially mangroves, in Thailand and Indonesia. It has led to environmental degradation, ecological damage and caused much pain to the socio-economic position of the local communities. Malaysia must learn from it.
We must preserve these important ecosystems where Malaysian Nature Society and World Wide Fund for Nature have done tremendous field and research work and accumulated valuable data as well as inventories to justify protection. The wetlands qualify to be designated as Ramsar (wetlands of international importance) sites by virtue of their distinctive habitats. Nature lovers are expecting this area to join Tasek Bera, Kinabatangan, Kuching wetlands, Tanjung Piai, Sungai Pulai and Pulau Kukup as the seventh Ramsar site in Malaysia.
The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) authorities, the custodians of this area, have a moral obligation to ensure that all green habitats are protected, through sustainable approaches. It is never too late to rectify a mistake and consult the experts. Setiu should be gazetted as a state park and a Ramsar site, as was done with Pulau Kukup and Tanjung Piai wetlands sites in Johor. Perhaps the ECER could learn from the Iskandar Regional Development Authority how to work with stakeholders to preserve and enhance wetlands. The proposed aquaculture project must be shelved. We don't need more white elephants in Terengganu. We must learn from our past mistakes and recognise that wetlands are not wastelands, but form one of the most productive ecosystems in the world.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hawksbill turtles - keepers of the coral
People and Planet 4 Feb 10;
Timid and difficult to locate underwater, hawksbill sea turtles in their marine habitat have long managed to evade the efforts of researchers. But Rainer von Brandis struck it lucky when he found himself swimming among hawksbills in the Amirante Islands of Seychelles, and his subsequent study revealed that these graceful reptiles are vital to the maintenance of coral reef biodiversity.
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAINER VON BRANDIS
Better known for the aesthetic qualities of its shell than for the role it plays in maintaining coral reef ecosystems, the hawksbill sea turtle is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. In view of this status, hawksbills have been the focus of numerous research projects in recent years, and while much has been learned about them when nesting, studying them in their aquatic environment has proven far more challenging.
Sea turtles underwater are difficult to locate and extremely wary, and often the only reward for researchers is a glimpse of one swimming off into the blue. Their natural behaviour, feeding methods, prey preferences, social interactions and impact on their environment are therefore still largely a mystery.
Seychelles, with its sound conservation policies, supports relatively healthy turtle numbers, especially at remote locations that were not frequented by turtle fishermen in the past. During an extended visit to the Amirante Islands in 2006, I came across a small insular coral reef that seemed to be teeming with young hawksbills. After diving around the reef for a few days, I soon realised that I was seeing the same turtles over and over again and that they appeared to be getting used to my presence. At first I was careful to keep my distance, but gradually they allowed me to approach to within arm’s length and spend entire dives with them.
The hawksbills, I decided, would be an excellent subject for my planned doctoral thesis, and for the next two months I spent as much time observing them as my dive computer allowed. The preliminary results were exciting and unique, and I consequently secured funding to return to the reef for two-month periods in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each year I found the same individuals and they continued to allow me to follow them around.
Over the four-year period, I clocked up a total of 312 hours underwater with the turtles and identified 15 resident individuals. Eighty per cent of my time, however, was spent with the three turtles that had become most accustomed to me. Other than occasionally sitting on me, trying to eat my dive equipment or using me as leverage when digging for food, these three completely ignored me as they went about their everyday business. Naturally, I remained careful never to touch them or disturb them unnecessarily, as this would undoubtedly have changed their behaviour toward me.
Among other things, I was able to determine their prey preferences, the quantity of food they consumed, and their diving and activity patterns, social interactions and habitat requirements. Most significantly, however, I established that the hawksbills play a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of the coral reef I was working on.
Because hawksbill foraging pressure is high on this small reef, the sponges they eat are restricted to well-hidden locations inside the reef substrate. The turtles therefore have to dig them out by using either their flippers to rip open the substrate or their beaks to pry the reef apart and lift out loose pieces that may be sheltering their prey. In doing so, they not only shape the reef topographically, but also expose food for fishes and create sheltered micro-habitats for other reef-dwellers such as moray eels, brittle stars, shrimps and a range of invertebrates.
Moreover, since sponges usually out-compete hard corals for space, the consumption of a quarter of a tonne of sponge by a single turtle each year enables hard corals to become established. This is especially important because higher than usual sea-water temperatures in 1998 resulted in the death of approximately 90 per cent of hard-coral communities in the region. If hawksbills had not been present, the reef would probably resemble a featureless expanse of mainly sponges and support a much lower diversity of reef organisms. In all likelihood, many coral reefs were more spectacular in the days preceding the mass slaughter of hawksbills for tortoiseshell.
It is hoped that the results of this research can be used to improve the hawksbill’s conservation status and strengthen resolve against a potential renewal of the tortoiseshell trade. Japan continues to lobby in support of reopening the trade so as to keep its tortoiseshell-manufacturing industry alive, and recent reports indicate that clandestine dealings in some Asian and Central American countries are on the increase again. In addition, the findings provide important information about hawksbill biology and habitat requirements, which is vital for the effective management of their popu-lations and foraging habitats.
The author would like to thank the Save Our Seas Foundation for funding his research in the Seychelles.
This article first appeared in the December 09/January 10 issue of Africa Geographic magazine.
TURTLE SCUTE TO TORTOISESHELL BANGLE
Tortoiseshell – used to make combs, jewellery boxes and spectacle rims – is a misnomer, for it comes not from tortoises, but from the hawksbill sea turtle. Produced from the scutes (shell plates) of the turtles, it has been considered a valuable commodity since ancient times. More than 2 000 years ago Julius Caesar considered tortoiseshell to be one of the chief spoils of his triumph in Egypt, and in the ninth century Arabs traded tortoiseshell around the Indian Ocean.
By 1700, Japanese artisans were producing large amounts of beautifully crafted tortoiseshell ornaments (called bekko) for markets in Asia, America and Europe. Japan subsequently became the major importer of hawksbills: between 1950 and 1992 more than 1.3 million dead turtles were brought into the country.
Overexploitation led to the prohibition of trade in hawksbills in 1977, when the species made it onto Appendix 1 of CITES, but intercepted bekko shipments indicate that the industry persists and is fed by poaching. On a positive note, countries such as Seychelles and Tanzania have shown their commitment to ending the illicit trade by burning all their accumulated stocks of tortoiseshell.
YOU CAN HELP BY
Not buying tortoiseshell products
Hand-crafted tortoiseshell jewellery and ornaments, and even stuffed juvenile hawksbills, are often found at tourist markets in tropical countries. If you are really tempted to buy, check with the vendor that the item is made of ‘faux tortoiseshell’ (plastic) and not the real thing.
Reporting poaching incidents
If you encounter a poacher who tries to sell you a live hawksbill (or any other sea turtle), it is usually best to decline politely and report the incident to the authorities immediately. With luck, the poacher will not have killed the turtle before being apprehended and it can be released. Purchasing turtles from poachers is not recommended because this will encourage them to catch more.
Any dead turtles found on a beach should also be reported. They probably died from being entangled in fishing gear and it is helpful to the authorities if such deaths are documented.
FAST FACTS
Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Description. These medium-sized sea turtles attain about one metre in length and 80 kilograms in weight. An elongated and
pointed beak and a serrated rear margin of the carapace are distinguishing features.
Range Circumtropical.
Habitat Usually coral reefs, but they also live in a wide range of habitats, including mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and mudflats.
Biology Three distinct life stages: hatchlings float on open ocean currents, feeding on various drifting organisms; at 30 centimetres (5–10 years old) they move into shallower reef environments and begin feeding on sponges and other invertebrates; at about 70 centimetres (25–35 years old) they become adults and return to their place of birth to breed. On average, females nest every third year and lay up to five clutches of 140 eggs per season. Out of a thousand eggs, only one or two hatchlings make it to adulthood.
Conservation Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List). As in other sea turtle species, their late age at sexual maturity and relatively low reproductive rate make them highly susceptible to overexploitation. Females lucky enough to reach adulthood are easily killed by humans for food or tortoiseshell when they come ashore to nest, while their eggs, a rich source of protein, are often harvested in totality. Relatively new threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, hybridisation and incidental capture by fishing vessels further reduce the outlook for this species.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Leatherback turtles return to Phuket
MAI KHAO, PHUKET: Sirinat National Park and a local conservation organization have set up watches to protect leatherback turtles returning to lay eggs on Mai Khao Beach this nesting season.
Nonthawit Chaturabandit, chief of Sirinat National Park, said that in the past many leatherback turtles nested on beaches inside the park.
Local residents used to set up camps by the beach and go on ‘turtle walks’ to watch the enormous reptiles clamber ashore and lay their eggs.
In recent years, however, the turtles have for the most part stopped coming to Mai Khao, a fact that has been attributed in part to coastal development in the area.
But now the leatherbacks seem to be staging a comeback.
“We were very pleased to find that two leatherback turtles had come to lay eggs in January. The two nests had a total of around 145 eggs. We expect more to come in February,” Mr Nonthawit said.
Sirinath National Park, together with local villagers and the Mai Khao Beach Turtle Conservation Group, have set up watches to remain on the lookout for more leatherbacks coming to lay eggs, and to protect any eggs from being stolen and eaten. Officers will be spread over the whole beach,” he added.
Mr Nonthawit warned anyone wanting to come and watch the turtles not to make loud noises or light fires on the beach. Leatherbacks are very careful when choosing a nest site and will not come ashore if there are noises and lights, he explained.
Leatherback turtles are classed as critically endangered.
Egg theft, environmental destruction and harmful fishing practices have all contributed to the decline in their appearances at Mai Khao, experts say.
Nonthawit Chaturabandit, chief of Sirinat National Park, said that in the past many leatherback turtles nested on beaches inside the park.
Local residents used to set up camps by the beach and go on ‘turtle walks’ to watch the enormous reptiles clamber ashore and lay their eggs.
In recent years, however, the turtles have for the most part stopped coming to Mai Khao, a fact that has been attributed in part to coastal development in the area.
But now the leatherbacks seem to be staging a comeback.
“We were very pleased to find that two leatherback turtles had come to lay eggs in January. The two nests had a total of around 145 eggs. We expect more to come in February,” Mr Nonthawit said.
Sirinath National Park, together with local villagers and the Mai Khao Beach Turtle Conservation Group, have set up watches to remain on the lookout for more leatherbacks coming to lay eggs, and to protect any eggs from being stolen and eaten. Officers will be spread over the whole beach,” he added.
Mr Nonthawit warned anyone wanting to come and watch the turtles not to make loud noises or light fires on the beach. Leatherbacks are very careful when choosing a nest site and will not come ashore if there are noises and lights, he explained.
Leatherback turtles are classed as critically endangered.
Egg theft, environmental destruction and harmful fishing practices have all contributed to the decline in their appearances at Mai Khao, experts say.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fishing restrictions aid turtles' recovery in Australia
Queensland marine researchers say restrictions imposed on the fishing industry have triggered a landmark nesting season for Bundaberg's endangered sea turtles.
About 400 loggerhead turtles have laid eggs at Mon Repos, near Bundaberg, since November last year.
Dr Col Limpus, from the state Department of Environment and Resource Management, says more turtles are reaching the breeding age of about 30 years.
"It wasn't until 2000 that we had the fisheries regulations requiring the use of turtle exclusion devices, or TEDS, so that turtles didn't drown in the prawn trawl," Dr Limpus said.
"Now, eight years after the legislation became effective, we're seeing our population no longer declining but actually in a recovery mode."
About 400 loggerhead turtles have laid eggs at Mon Repos, near Bundaberg, since November last year.
Dr Col Limpus, from the state Department of Environment and Resource Management, says more turtles are reaching the breeding age of about 30 years.
"It wasn't until 2000 that we had the fisheries regulations requiring the use of turtle exclusion devices, or TEDS, so that turtles didn't drown in the prawn trawl," Dr Limpus said.
"Now, eight years after the legislation became effective, we're seeing our population no longer declining but actually in a recovery mode."
Turtles aren't coming back says Malaysian don
KUALA TERENGGANU: The turtles are not coming back to Batu Buruk beach, here.
It was sad but true, said Turtle Conservation Centre co-founder and chief executive officer Prof Dr Chan Eng Heng who is one of the country's leading experts in turtle research, conservation and education.
Commenting on the recent find of a turtle's nest at Batu Buruk beach, the retired marine biodiversity and conservation professor at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, said it was an isolated case where one or two turtles found their way back to their old nesting ground.
"I have been told that eight green turtle hatchlings were found crawling at the Batu Buruk Beach Resort and later, officers from the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) in Rantau Abang, Dungun, found a nest with more than 70 eggs in it.
"It is good to see turtles making an appearance again at the beach but chances are that the turtle that laid the eggs is what's left of the old batch of turtles that used to nest here and we are not likely to see another turtle for a while."
She said similar occurences could also be detected at other beaches in the state such at Mengabang Telipot, Batu Rakit and Chendering.
"But all is not lost as the number of turtle landings and nestings in Ma'daerah, Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Rantau Abang have been encouraging in the past few years," she said.
Tumec supervisor Abdul Halim Mat Nor said the eight baby turtles from Batu Buruk had been relocated to the Turtles Information Centre in Rantau Abang.
"The turtle that laid the eggs must have landed on the beach in December but out of 83 eggs, only eight hatched as the rest were ruined after being prematurely exposed to sea water.
"Too bad the turtle was not a leatherback, as Batu Buruk used to be the nesting ground for the largest of all living sea turtles," said Halim, who revealed there were nine leatherback landings in Rantau Abang last year.
It was sad but true, said Turtle Conservation Centre co-founder and chief executive officer Prof Dr Chan Eng Heng who is one of the country's leading experts in turtle research, conservation and education.
Commenting on the recent find of a turtle's nest at Batu Buruk beach, the retired marine biodiversity and conservation professor at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, said it was an isolated case where one or two turtles found their way back to their old nesting ground.
"I have been told that eight green turtle hatchlings were found crawling at the Batu Buruk Beach Resort and later, officers from the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) in Rantau Abang, Dungun, found a nest with more than 70 eggs in it.
"It is good to see turtles making an appearance again at the beach but chances are that the turtle that laid the eggs is what's left of the old batch of turtles that used to nest here and we are not likely to see another turtle for a while."
She said similar occurences could also be detected at other beaches in the state such at Mengabang Telipot, Batu Rakit and Chendering.
"But all is not lost as the number of turtle landings and nestings in Ma'daerah, Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Rantau Abang have been encouraging in the past few years," she said.
Tumec supervisor Abdul Halim Mat Nor said the eight baby turtles from Batu Buruk had been relocated to the Turtles Information Centre in Rantau Abang.
"The turtle that laid the eggs must have landed on the beach in December but out of 83 eggs, only eight hatched as the rest were ruined after being prematurely exposed to sea water.
"Too bad the turtle was not a leatherback, as Batu Buruk used to be the nesting ground for the largest of all living sea turtles," said Halim, who revealed there were nine leatherback landings in Rantau Abang last year.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Hundreds of sea turtles dead on Odisha coast
Turtles dying en masse on Odisha coast
KalingaTimes 5 Jan 10;
The sighting of bloated and motionless bodies of Oilve Ridley sea turtles lends credence to belief that unlawful trawling operation despite prohibition is in full swing along the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.
Bodies of dead turtles are sporadically dispersed along the stretch of beach from Dhamra to Paradip coast. The unofficial estimate put the toll at more than 5,000 while the forest officials prefer to restrict the toll at 671.
“The turtles' death toll is on the lower side this time. The vigil and surveillance on trawl fishing is stepped up. That's why, the marine visitors are comparatively safer this year”, Prasanna Kumar Behera, divisional forest officer, Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division, on the other hand, claimed.
However, the ground reality is grim and it hardly substantiates officials' claim.
The wildlife activists argue that turtles are dying en-masse in several strategic locations and the accidental death of the mute animals is due to uninterrupted trawling.
“Though marine fishing has been banned along the Gahirmatha water territory under OMFRA, 1982, trawl fishing has become a daily ritual. Turtles are getting hit by trawl propeller and are getting killed. The animals are getting entangled in the mono-filament nets that are being used by fishing trawls. The mute species are dying of asphyxiation,” said Sudhansu Parida, an activist of people for animals.
The beaches at places like Satabhaya, Pentha, Agarnasi and Barunei has turned into a graveyard for the Olive Ridley sea turtles. Any day, one would come across the ghastly sight of rows of decomposed bodies of these delicate marine species with pungent smell emanating from the carcasses, Parida told.
The forest department officials admitted the sighting of turtle carcasses at these places. However, they declined to elaborate on the death toll.
Rare turtle sighting on Sabah’s Pulau Mamutik
KOTA KINABALU: The rare sighting of a hawksbill turtle laying eggs at Pulau Mamutik in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park has led to hopes that the endangered species is making a comeback.
The unusual occurrence on Dec 26 was witnessed by staff of Borneo Divers during a barbecue session for trainee divers at the island, according to Borneo Divers managing director Clement Lee.
“It came as a surprise to all of us. We have never encountered sea turtles coming to the (Mamutik) beach to lay eggs,” said Lee, whose company has been conducting Divemaster courses at the island for the last 25 years.
“We were having a barbecue when we spotted the turtle coming very close to the crowd. We had to ask everyone to keep their voices low and switch off the lights to allow the turtle to find a spot to lay her eggs (near a young coconut tree),” he said, explaining that turtles were sensitive to noise and light when they are about to lay eggs.
Lee said the turtle returned to the sea two hours later after laying her eggs.
“We were all so excited. We watched the turtle as it made its way back to the sea,” he said, adding that they immediately alerted the authorities who promptly fenced up the area and documented the time of the event.
Sea turtles lay between 80 to 120 eggs during each landing.
“It takes about eight weeks to hatch,” Lee said.
Pulau Mamutik is the smallest of five islands under the popular marine park. It is about six kilometres from the city.
The unusual occurrence on Dec 26 was witnessed by staff of Borneo Divers during a barbecue session for trainee divers at the island, according to Borneo Divers managing director Clement Lee.
“It came as a surprise to all of us. We have never encountered sea turtles coming to the (Mamutik) beach to lay eggs,” said Lee, whose company has been conducting Divemaster courses at the island for the last 25 years.
“We were having a barbecue when we spotted the turtle coming very close to the crowd. We had to ask everyone to keep their voices low and switch off the lights to allow the turtle to find a spot to lay her eggs (near a young coconut tree),” he said, explaining that turtles were sensitive to noise and light when they are about to lay eggs.
Lee said the turtle returned to the sea two hours later after laying her eggs.
“We were all so excited. We watched the turtle as it made its way back to the sea,” he said, adding that they immediately alerted the authorities who promptly fenced up the area and documented the time of the event.
Sea turtles lay between 80 to 120 eggs during each landing.
“It takes about eight weeks to hatch,” Lee said.
Pulau Mamutik is the smallest of five islands under the popular marine park. It is about six kilometres from the city.
'Greater Phuket' Wins Back a Giant Leatherback
SOMETHING remarkable is happening on the ever-remarkable Andaman Sea coastline.
The tsunami shore has in the past 12 months seen boatpeople pushed out to sea to drift and sometimes to die, and also been declared ''the best five-star destination of 2009'' by the New York Times.
And now, a big mother leatherback is back.
Weighing as much as 300 kilos and stretching to two metres wide, this giant has been coming ashore in the past few weeks at one specific location in ''Greater Phuket'' regularly, to lay eggs.
Marine biologists have been recording the visits of the leatherback to the Phang Nga beach. She only comes back to lay eggs every 25 years, and her time is now.
Remarkable old photographs of giant leatherbacks laying eggs, once thought to be a record of a natural process that would never be seen again, are no longer simply a part of history.
New photographs are being taken as the leatherback comes ashore in a 12-day cycle. In December, she left 99 eggs in the sand. In early January, she left 113.
Biologists know she will be back soon to leave more eggs.
And the hatchings should begin to take place from February 24, with the second batch due to hatch in early March.
The leatherback will return five or seven times, every 12 to 15 days, each time depositing more eggs.
Parrob Plannga, head ranger of the Forests Office in Phang Nga, says the site of the hatchings is being watched day and night to protect the eggs.
''Last year we had just one leatherback turtle appear and lay eggs just once,'' he told Phuketwan ''This turtle is larger and has so far kept to her egg-laying pattern.''
Leatherbacks go back 150 million years, he said. ''They will return to the beach where they hatched just once every 25 years,'' he said.
''We can't care for their eggs in a hatchery because of the characteristics of the hatchlings.
''The young leatherbacks don't swim in circles, they swim in straight lines, so they keep hitting the walls, and eventually die.''
Biologists are concerned that the leatherbacks may be laying more female eggs than males because they can tell from the laying-point on the beach whether each batch is predominantly male or female.
The first year of so of the life of most Andaman coast turtle species remains a mystery.
Once home to five species, Phuket no longer has any turtles hatching on its shores because of increasing coastal development, noise and light.
The tsunami shore has in the past 12 months seen boatpeople pushed out to sea to drift and sometimes to die, and also been declared ''the best five-star destination of 2009'' by the New York Times.
And now, a big mother leatherback is back.Weighing as much as 300 kilos and stretching to two metres wide, this giant has been coming ashore in the past few weeks at one specific location in ''Greater Phuket'' regularly, to lay eggs.
Marine biologists have been recording the visits of the leatherback to the Phang Nga beach. She only comes back to lay eggs every 25 years, and her time is now.
Remarkable old photographs of giant leatherbacks laying eggs, once thought to be a record of a natural process that would never be seen again, are no longer simply a part of history.
New photographs are being taken as the leatherback comes ashore in a 12-day cycle. In December, she left 99 eggs in the sand. In early January, she left 113.
Biologists know she will be back soon to leave more eggs.
And the hatchings should begin to take place from February 24, with the second batch due to hatch in early March.
The leatherback will return five or seven times, every 12 to 15 days, each time depositing more eggs.
Parrob Plannga, head ranger of the Forests Office in Phang Nga, says the site of the hatchings is being watched day and night to protect the eggs.
''Last year we had just one leatherback turtle appear and lay eggs just once,'' he told Phuketwan ''This turtle is larger and has so far kept to her egg-laying pattern.''
Leatherbacks go back 150 million years, he said. ''They will return to the beach where they hatched just once every 25 years,'' he said.
''We can't care for their eggs in a hatchery because of the characteristics of the hatchlings.
''The young leatherbacks don't swim in circles, they swim in straight lines, so they keep hitting the walls, and eventually die.''
Biologists are concerned that the leatherbacks may be laying more female eggs than males because they can tell from the laying-point on the beach whether each batch is predominantly male or female.
The first year of so of the life of most Andaman coast turtle species remains a mystery.
Once home to five species, Phuket no longer has any turtles hatching on its shores because of increasing coastal development, noise and light.
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