Sea Turtle Conservation Project
2006-2007 Summary Report By Adrian Davies
Abstract
The Sea Turtle Project has operated in the research area for four seasons with the objectives of conservation, education, community integration and research.
Information from the local community has shown a greater nesting number than first thought, however these records also show that the nesting population has been decreasing for a long time and the numbers in recent seasons have been critically low.
The reasons for the decline in the Sea Turtle population along the Andaman coast of Thailand and specifically within the Research area is discussed.
No nest or signs of Sea Turtle activity were found this season despite unfaltering efforts in monitoring the 16km of nesting beaches.
Further discussion considers the natural and unnatural reasons for this final loss of the remaining individuals from the Research area.
Introduction
Through the 4 seasons of investigation, starting in the 2003 -2004, season a better understanding has been gained as to the present situation of the Sea Turtle nesting population in the research area of the northern part of the Andaman coastline of Thailand , roughly 80km south of Ranong.
Two worrying facts are that first of all the population is critically low and that indeed extinction of the remaining populations is highly probable unless drastic action is taken (some species are undoubtedly already extinct from the area). The second worrying fact is that poaching remains at large in this area which means that even with past conservation efforts of the project, the majority of nests have been poached each season. These results reflect the general situation in Thailand .
Building on past season's findings, ongoing interaction with the local communities, information from poachers and ongoing feeding and nesting habitat assessment, a definite picture has now been developed. Leatherback turtles ( Dermochelys coriacea) are known to nest on the beaches from Baan Talae Nork up to, and on, the northern Leam Baa Cape . On the beach furthest north, investigated by the project, nesting has occurred but the species and number unconfirmed. To the south of Baan Talae Nork the beaches have some remaining turtle activity, either Hawksbill ( Eretmochelys imbricate) or Olive Ridley turtles ( Lepidochelys olivacea ).
Based on this information night time patrolling was carried out on the more popular nesting beaches from the beginning of the 2006 - 2007 season, along with first light checks on the remaining beaches.
Throughout the past seasons the project has developed into one of Conservation, Research and Education and this development has been continued this season.
I. Objectives
The main objectives of this season's project are the following:
• Eliminate poaching.
• Set up a decent monitoring system on the nesting beaches.
• Conduct research on the female nesting population.
• Assess the nesting habitats and the surrounding feeding grounds.
• Continue educating the local villagers and schools.
• Take part in Eco-tourism.
• Enhance the integration of the local community.
• Develop links and Collaboration with other projects and interested parties
• Run the "IOSEA Sea Turtle Conservation in Thailand " Workshop.
II. Research objectives
Our first objective is to investigate the present numbers and species of nesting females in the area.
Our second objective is to investigate the reasons for the decline in nesting females in the research area.
III. Activities and results of the 2006 - 2007 season
3.1. Beach surveys
At the beginning of this season we have drawn out a patrol plan based upon gathered information such as past nesting data, discussions with Bung Deed, an ex-poacher, turtle species nesting behavior, nesting beach assessments and other available resources.
The importance of each beach was weighed up to determine where to put up camps, how many volunteers would patrol a certain beach etc.in other words a well planned out distribution of all our resources.
We patrolled the beaches as shows on the photo.
A. Leam Baa 2
This is the first year that the project surveyed this beach. Last year 3 nests here got poached. The beach was patrolled during the night from a satellite camp where researchers were dropped by boat each night.
B. Leam Baa 1
This was checked by a day survey each morning, usually those returning from Leam Baa 2. No nests were found here in any of the past seasons since 2003. Beach assessment and qualative records indicate this is not a popular nesting beach.
Last year's most popular nesting beach, and historically also. It was patrolled during the night from the main camp.
D. Resort Beach
Despite the northern end of this beach being crowded out by fallen trees, caused by the Tsunami, this beach remains a popular beach for nesting. It was patrolled during the night from a satellite camp
Although this beach is close to the old village and a lot of boating activity takes place during the night dispersing from the jellyfish farm, this beach seems to have remained reasonably popular. Night patrols were conducted here from the medical centre during the night.
Last season one set of tracks were found from a Sea Turtle here and during the 2004-2005 seasons a poached nest was found. These beaches would be more favorable for Hawksbills or Olive Ridleys as they blend into vegetation after the high water mark. Unfortunately our resources only allowed for checks at first light of this area. Upon the very last section of Beach surveyed (Hat Bang Glouy) there is now a new resort called Banana Bay , the people here reported having Sea Turtle nests over 3 seasons ago.
3.1.1. Protection
Our primary objective was to get to the nest first before a poacher had a chance to get to it. This way a nest could be disguised and protected as the tracks of the nesting female would be scrubbed to avoid identification by poachers.
3.1.2. Data collection
To achieve the research objective set for this year we needed to identify all species nesting in the research area and to assess the number of nesting females of the respective population.
The presence of turtle patrollers on the beach would enable the project to collect scientific data such as biometric data, and nesting behavior data helping to establish a nesting female count, species type and contribute to scientific understanding. The beaches chosen for night work were patrolled at least every two hours during the night (so as to intercept any nesting female Leatherback turtles) A data sheet was adapted for this project with the research techniques to be used following standard field data collection techniques as outlined in (Eckert K. L et al (1999)) . The data collected could then be used comparatively with other research .
3.1.3. Unpatrolled beaches at night
Any time a beach could not be patrolled at night it would be patrolled at first light by foot or by boat. The Southern beaches were patrolled this way throughout the season.
3.1.4. Period of patrols
Patrols started upon the 25 th of November 2006 and continued until the 28th of February 2007 . After this time the beaches were walked at regular intervals until the 12 th of March to check for hatching nests that may have been missed.
3.1.5. Sea Turtle Activity
Despite unfaltering effort and dedication in the night time and first light patrols for the 16km stretch of nesting beaches during the season no turtle nest or activity was found! This was extremely concerning.
3.1.6. Results
Based upon qualitative research (interviews with Bung Deed - ex-poacher) and quantitative research (past and present season's data of nesting numbers) we have come to the following results:
Schedule I.1: Summary of number of nests found
YEAR |
Number of nests |
2006-2007 |
0 |
2005-2006 |
5 * |
2004-2005 |
6 |
2003-2004 |
8 |
2002-2003 |
10 |
* The 5 nests found in 2005-2006 do not include the three nests on Laam Baa 2 beach.
These results show a gradual decrease over time where in the present situation there are no nesting females.
3.1.6.1. Reliability of the results
New information from Bung Deed has continued to reveal that the numbers nesting in the area in recent seasons were greater than first thought.
There are limitations to the data as Bung Deed can not account for the exact amount laid before the 2002-2003 season, but he does state that it has been gradually decreasing to the present. Also he can only account for part of the research area. His records account for the first section of the Southern beaches north up until Leam Baa. They do not take into account Leam Baa 2.
It is not known whether all nests were laid by the same species, and if not which species . During the previous season (2005-2006) 4 nests of Leatherbacks were recorded and 1 of an unknown species (4 if you include the 3 Leam Baa nests).
There has been evidence of other sea turtle species in the research area. Tracks from sea turtle species with an alternating gate, Hawksbills and Olive Ridley are known species of this coastline with this type of locomotion, have been found upon the southern beaches in past seasons. Also the carcass of both a Hawksbill and an Olive Ridley were found on the southern beaches in past seasons. The workers at banana bay resort reported seeing smaller turtle species nesting on Hat Bang glouy, one of the southern beaches, in the past (but not for the last 3 seasons).
Phra Thong and Ko Ra Islands, two islands in the proximity of the research area, more specifically south of the project, have found species of nesting Olive Ridleys, Leatherback and Green Sea turtles in past seasons.
The 'Mu Ko Surin' National park 50kms off the coast of Phang Nga province is an important site for Hawksbill nesting (Stuart and Cartin (1994)).
The location of the nests found by Bung Deed in past seasons fit in with the areas that nests were found last season by researchers. Long Beach was the most popular, with Resort beach and Baan Talae Nork beach following closely. Bung Deeds information was taken into account and incorporated when deciding the night patrol plan.
3.2. Assessment of feeding grounds
3.2.1. Introduction
On the 24 th and 25 th of February we started investigating the feeding grounds of the coast of the research area around the islands of Leam Son National Park with the aid of scuba diving equipment. Four sites were selected on the advice of Agen Sompotch. We kept a written record of all the flora and fauna that we encountered during our diving trips. And we assessed the damage caused in this area by the Tsunami. The gathered information can be used to tell us more about Sea Turtle presence in the area.
3.2.2. Investigation methods
Firstly we looked for Sea Turtle species in areas of known observation. Green Turtles and Hawksbill turtles are commonly found to inhabit a known area on coral reefs, returning to the same spot to sleep most nights. Both these species have been spotted around this area in the past by local fishermen, so we could expect to find these species (or signs of) during the investigation.
Secondly we looked for organisms which sea turtle species feed on and if found, identify any signs of Sea turtle feeding such as bite marks.
3.2.3. Results
No sightings of any species of Sea Turtle occurred upon the 4 dives, despite some of the dive sites being known feeding areas of these Sea Turtle species in the past.
There was a definite lack of sea grass and algae, which Green turtles are known to feed upon and a lack of sponges which Hawksbills are known to feed upon. However we did witness an abundance of sea cucumbers and small crustation , which both Olive Ridleys and Hawksbills feed upon.
The dive sites were not seen to be in a good condition with a lot of sedimentation and coral damage, which could be attributed in part to the recent Tsunami. However some sedimentation is known naturally due to the sites close proximity to the mainland estuaries, and coral damage would also have been caused by boating activities (passage and anchoring) which was abundant in the area.
Another worthy point is that a lot of garbage was seen floating in the ocean, such as Styrofoam and plastic bags, both around the islands and in the ocean on the way to the islands.
3.2.4. Conclusion
Potentially Hawksbills and Olive Ridley sea turtle species could be supported in the foraging areas that we investigated around The Leam son Islands because of the abundance of sea cucumbers and small crustation.
The open ocean area surrounding the nesting beaches has an abundance of Jellyfish, especially in seasons following the Tsunami, which is favorable for the open water foraging habits of the Leatherback species .
Many negative factors about the foraging grounds were identified; the increased number of fishing boats in the area, the present lack of feeding substrate for Green turtles, and the litter floating in the ocean (Leatherbacks commonly die from ingesting litter such as plastic bags after mistaking them for jellyfish, their main food source.
It is possible that some individuals sighted in these areas were on their migratory route and nest within different areas and/or countries . So it is difficult to make any conclusive statements about Sea Turtle disappearance from these feeding grounds. Further investigation into past sightings regarding species type and date observed would be recommended to determine the origin of all individuals.
If the populations in question are solely inter-nesting/breeding individuals from the research area or neighbouring nesting areas then the critically low population (no nesting in the research area) and the date of investigation would be obvious reasons for no sightings or signs of presence found.
3.3. Beach clean-up
Two official beach clean-up days were organized during January (although volunteers were encouraged to collect litter upon other beaches while they had time). The area covered in the two days was from opposite the medical centre, on Baan Talae Nork, north to the first channel. This was seen to be in appalling condition with beer bottles, plastic bags and styrophome present to name a few offenders, from the activities of beach users and fishermen.
Litter upon the beach is very negative for sea turtles both as adults and as hatchlings. Adult Leatherbacks are commonly found feeding upon floating rubbish such as plastic bags because they mistake them for jellyfish, this can cause death for the turtle. Hatchlings emerging from a nest get stuck in people's litter which can cause them death in the hot sun or simply wastes their valuable energy escaping the maze of litter traps. It's also important to remember that litter is by no means only troublesome for Sea Turtles, other marine and terrestrial fauna and flora is impacted by this litter.
3.3.1. Results
The amount of litter collected was huge (3 truck loads full), the volunteers were very enthusiastic and resultantly the beach looked a lot cleaner. A little time after this, Baan Talae Nork Beach was assessed by the Beach Index Group and given a 3 star rating. It is thought that this was due to the efforts of the Beach clean up.
3.4. Education
3.4.1. Schools visited
This season saw a huge effort in organizing activities in 11 schools in the proximity of the research area to educate the children.
The following schools participated:
• Baan Talae Nork,
• Thai-Rat vitthaya 67,
• Leam nau,
• Bang Klauy nork,
• Suksumran 2 nd ,
• Bang-Mun, Bang-Hin,
• Baan Sumnak,
• Baan Na,
• Phukhoathong,
• Suksumran, and
• Baan Glouy sut-mit trapaa te 61
3.4.2. Agenda
The agenda changed slightly for each school depending upon the age of our audience.
First of all we gave an introduction to Sea Turtle species in Thailand and the rest of the world. Then we explained a simple life cycle and lastly we showed the threats sea turtles face and what we can do to help.
Purpose made display cards were made and used as a visual aid during these presentations. Some discussion then took place with the children; certain issues were addressed such as the consumption of turtle eggs, and littering of beaches.
3.4.3. Conservation games
The volunteers came up with fun games and activities for the children continuing the theme of conservation in a fun and active way. Games such as 'What's the time Mr. Poacher?', and 'Turtle Bingo' were sure favorites with the children. The arts were also dabbled in with a full scale sea turtle play, turtle song and sea turtle drawing sessions taking place.
3.4.4. Information from school children
An alarming number of children had eaten turtle eggs in some of the schools, although none recently (however this could have been due to a lack of supply!). The children seemed to understand the conservation message, although it was evident that it went against their culture, this gives us hope for the future.
All children and schools enjoyed the day immensely and look forward to seeing the Sea Turtle Team again in the future.
3.5. Children's Day in Ranong
A team of staff and volunteers spent the day in Ranong to participate in the celebrations.
We set up our sea turtle information boards and sold some Sea Turtle t-shirts and souvenirs. Our team helped to answer questions about our project and spread information about the importance of Sea Turtle conservation in Thailand .
3.6. IOSEA Sea Turtle Workshop and Training days
WAR Thai successfully organized and completed the Sea-Turtle-Conservation-in-Thailand workshop "The Way Forward'' (Dec 2006). Participants were invited from Thailand to celebrate the start of the nesting season along the Andaman Coast, learn more about Sea Turtles and to contribute towards a discussion on Sea Turtle Conservation issues in Thailand, and to address change in areas where crucially needed.
3.6.1. Attendees
The day was attended by the Governor of Ranong province, sub-district governor, and national park staff, WAR - Thailand staff, local villagers, the village chief, school children and Sea Turtle volunteers. Over 129 people altogether.
3.6.2. Location
The workshop was held at the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation Centre in Baan Talae Nork.
3.6.3. Changes to the original proposal
We decided that it would be better to carry out the workshop before the Student Training Days, as then the workshop could act as a way to attract interested parties. Because of the high interest of especially the children we decided that local schools would be the best places to carry out the training days.
3.6.4. Training days
The training days were conducted as per proposal where the students were trained in Sea Turtle Conservation issues. Students were then encouraged to take part in conservation activities both on their own and with the WARThai Sea Turtle Conservation Project. The training days took place at Baan Talae Nork, Kaun Sai and Baan Klauy on the 11 th 18 th and 19 th respectively. For these 3 events the students were taught firstly about the sea turtle species of Thailand , their lifecycles and feeding habitats. Next they were taught about conservation issues and how to help save the endangered species. The findings of our project were then presented and we explained the research techniques and area of study. The students were encouraged to ask questions, and a full translation was given for all.
3.6.5. Outcome of Workshop
The Workshop expanded public awareness for the nesting season not only along the Andaman coast but also throughout Thailand . The event also got mention on the local radio station and local press, as well as on the WARThai website and IOSEA website.
The Ranong district governor and National Park staff are expected to be key players from now on in the WARThai Sea Turtle Project and also general sea turtle conservation issues around Thailand . Awareness and knowledge have been raised amongst the local villagers, and these people are expected to contribute to the conservation cause in the future.
3.6.6. Outcome of Training days
The three Training Days helped in raising awareness and knowledge further to both attendees and non attendees of the Workshop. Students who took part in the training days all seemed very enthusiastic and we hope that some of these will take part in our project and also furthermore in conservation efforts off their own (e.g. Picking rubbish up off the beach etc.).
These students will be the real key players in protecting the populations of sea turtles in this area for the future, and the fate of which will rest in their hands. All the children were encouraged to participate in our project and this encouragement will be ongoing. All students who took part in the training day now have a better understanding of turtles and the dangers they face, and how to carry out the activities needed in order to conserve them.
3.7. Eco-Tourism
3.7.1. Activities
The WARED centre with the village of Baan Talae Nork already has an Eco-Tourism Club where tourists can do a number of activities such as staying in a local village house, visiting the Laem Son islands by boat, or a rainforest walk (some eco-tourists participated in Sea Turtle night patrol). The WARED centre also sells a number of T-shirts, posters and other merchandise to help fund the centre.
3.7.2. Future Aims
The Sea Turtle Project will need to stand on its own feet in the future, and therefore it will need to generate more of its own funding. Tourist revenue can contribute to this but tourist numbers will have to increase and be managed sensibly so it will not have an impact upon the environment.
If the villagers of Baan Talae Nork and other villages close to the research area see that they can make revenue through tourists coming to see Sea Turtles, they will have an incentive to help protect the Sea Turtle population in the area.
3.7.3. Sea Turtle tourism
Sea Turtle merchandise was produced for the IOSEA workshop day, and following this the merchandise was sold from the WARED centre. The main buyers were understandably Sea Turtle Volunteers and with overall 63 volunteers it makes the occasional tourist purchase seem insignificant.
3.7.4. Actions to attract tourists
A plan was put into place to bring tourists to the Sea Turtle Project:
• A poster was made by the volunteers and distributed around hotels and tourist areas of Ranong and Kraburi
• An important connection was also made with Banana Bay , a low key resort on the Beach of Baan Glouy . They had their official opening upon the 26 th of December which was attended by the Sea Turtle Team.
• A turtle information board was created and taken down to Banana Bay showing how people could reduce the threats to Sea Turtles
• A donation box was put in place and will be left there throughout the year (donation to date has been shockingly low!).
So far few tourists have been staying at Banana Bay, however if it is successful in the future it could supply the WARED centre and Sea Turtle project with a steady stream of visitors.
3.7.5. Results so far
It is impossible to separate the income generated from the Sea Turtle Project from that generated by the WARED centre. Visitors attending the centre mainly want to know about both Sea Turtles and all other work by WARED. An increase in income of the WARED shop was seen which was without a doubt influenced by the Sea Turtle project this season.
3.8. Sea Turtle Display
A corner of the WARED centre was dedicated to the Sea Turtle project. A number of display boards were made showing
- The lifecycle,
- Different species of Thailand ,
- The beaches patrolled by the project,
- The threats faced by Sea Turtles,
- Results from previous seasons,
- An interactive nest map,
- Volunteer participation etc.
This display helps to give an idea to new volunteers about the project and shows tourist who venture into Baan Talae Nork what is being done. The boards are also used throughout the season for many different things such as education and the IOSEA workshop.
IV. Volunteers and Research Assistants
This season 63 volunteers took part in the project and one Research Assistant. The majority of the season counted volunteers from ISV (International Student Volunteers).
4.1. ISV-Volunteers
A group of 14 volunteers on average participated for a two week period. In total four groups of ISV-volunteers took part.
Even though the change-over of groups happened on the same day, with volunteers from the new group arriving as the old group was leaving, it left us two days without volunteers each two week period because the previous group would have their last night off and the new group would always have the first night off. This meant we couldn't patrol the beaches or could only operate scaled down patrols during these days.
4.2. Independent volunteers
In total we have had eight individuals who volunteered independently. One ex -ISV participant also later returned to the project as an independent volunteer.
4.3. Volunteer's Handbook
The Sea Turtle Volunteer Handbook was updated for the new season and now includes a description of patrols and research techniques.
4.4. Research Assistants
The first RA, Melanie Schultz, participated from 28 th November 2006 until the 1 st of March 2007 . The second RA, Simon Faithful, delayed his arrival several times and then unfortunately was unable to make it, leaving a gap in the Sea Turtle Team.
4.5. Concerns
4.5.1. No Volunteers during peak nesting season
Worryingly we had no volunteers for the period from the 21 st of December until the 5 th of January. This is also peak nesting season! Efforts were made to attract volunteers for this period without success, (understandable due to the short notice and the period being over Christmas and New Year). The majority of this period was covered regardless with scaled down night patrols thanks to the dedication of the remaining WARThai Sea Turtle Team; Myself, Pi Dom and Melanie.
4.5.2. ISV-Groups
Despite the correct information being sent to ISV, the volunteers were misinformed about their duties for their placement. Some volunteers actually had requested to ISV not to work with animals or nature! ISV then made a lot of demands which could have compromised the projects aims. However during the course of the project all volunteers adapted well and ISV became more understanding about the project's aims and a successful relationship was accomplished for both parties.
See Appendix 1: Night Time Patrolling Data Sheet
cfr. see appendix 2 for full report
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