Sea Turtle Conservation Project
2006-2007 Summary Report By Adrian Davies
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VIII. The future
8.1. Likely loss of Sea Turtles from the area
The supply of future adult Sea Turtles has been cut off from the research area for a significant time. If the research area does have a remaining Sea Turtle population and a sufficient amount of hatchlings, through protected nests, enter the sea in the future then some could survive to become a repopulating generation of breeding adults who would return to lay eggs upon these beaches once more. Still we would likely have a period where no adult sea turtles at all return to breed until those hatchlings become mature. Sea Turtles, depending on the species, can take up to 30 years to become sexually mature.
Taking into consideration the dependency upon an unmentionable number of natural and unnatural factors for the survival of the hatchlings and sexually matured adults, the extinction of the population is more likely and may actually have occurred already.
Last season saw two protected nests successfully hatching and a high amount of hatchlings entering the ocean from both nests, however this amount alone goes no way to assuring a future generation due to the low success rate (1 in 1000) of these hatchlings becoming adults.
Leatherback turtles are a more likely candidate to be seen again in the research area despite the poaching rates of the past, due to their nesting behaviour showing frequent changes in beaches. However their return will depend upon the success of other projects along the Andaman coast and the impact of the increased fishing boats surrounding the research area.
The presence of other species of Sea Turtle in the area in future times is unknown until we can assess whether other species (if there are any) were part of the population of nesting Sea Turtles recorded here in the past. Nesting of individuals from neighbouring nesting populations will remain a possibility.
8.2. Importance of the conservation message
Education activities and community outreach remain as important as ever. The message given through sea turtle conservation helps not only sea turtles but indirectly also other species. Through education with schools we have seen that especially children are enthusiastic about conservation. Therefore we do see a future generation that could change the unsustainable habits of their forefathers.
If the population of any sea turtle species was to recover here then poaching would need to stop. It is more vital than ever that any future nests are protected and the education and community outreach programs are essential to get this message out.
8.3. New information from community
As the project integrates further with the community's surrounding the research area more people will be willing to come forward with past knowledge of species nesting and numbers in the area.
Already information such as the information gained from questionnaires, interviews and discussions with the people of local villages (Bung Deed in particular) have proved valuable in gaining a better understanding of the situation.
8.4. Changes in law and law enforcement
At the moment law and law enforcement are vitally important. Links with those who have enforcement power is paramount. This year some very important allies have been formed. Particularly between WARThai and the Ranong district governor and the National Park staff of Leam Son. These can help in bringing about the changes that are desperately needed.
Regulation of the number of trawling boats could ensure safe passage for any remaining nesting sea turtles or for the return of the Andaman coast Leatherback population to the area. The law for fishing boats to stay 3km from the shore needs to be enforced and poaching needs to be eliminated.
IX. Recommendations
9.1. Laws and enforcement
? The enormous increase in fishing trawlers dotted upon the horizon is greatly concerning. This needs to be regulated for the safe passage of sea turtles to the research area in the future. I advise that WARthai should lobby for; a change in law, a ban of shrimp trawling during the nesting season or at least a reduction in number, marine zoning and/or stricter regulation concerning the use of TED's.
Further more I feel this should be organised at a national level and that WARthai should seek support from other conservation groups working within Thailand .
? The law prohibiting fishing up to 3km from the coastline needs to be more heavily enforced. Collaboration with the newly formed allies (National park staff and Ranong district governor) should be used for this.
9.2. Patrolling
? Being the first person to get to a nest is the only way poaching can be avoided.
Night patrols are the only way to guarantee this. These patrols should remain a priority for next season to ensure any nests laid will get the protection crucial for their survival.
It can seem a pointless task when no sea turtles are spotted but past seasons have shown that without night patrols any nests will be poached.
Without hatchlings entering the ocean there is no future population!
? N ext year ask the National Park staff well in advance to help with patrolling. This will ensure beaches such as Leam Baa can be patrolled during the night.
? This season showed that more people are needed who can drive the boat. One designated driver is not enough as he was unable to fulfil his duties on a number of occasions (and frequently at the last minute). This left us literally running around the village to arrange another driver which in its turn caused for further complications as the replacement was often due to work the next day at the WARED centre.
I would recommend that Pi Dom and/or one of the Research team members should be allowed to drive the boat (training given if necessary) as they are available all nights patrolling takes place. This way they could step in at the last minute without any problem.
? The radios need to be prepared and re-tested before the beginning of every season!
Spare radios should be kept in case of breakdowns.
Further more a dispensable budget should be made available to the Project Leader to ensure swift replacement or repair of damaged equipment.
9.3. Research
9.3.1. Information regarding current nesting population
? Researchers need to accurately determine which species are nesting. This can be achieved best through observation of nesting females. Information from the tracks and nest can also provide clues as to species type if no observation is made.
? Identify of individuals is essential for accurate population estimates.
If tagging equipment is still not available then Biometric Measurements can help distinguish individuals.
? The data sheet produced for this season (appendix 1) should be used for future seasons to help patrollers gather the information needed.
It sets out the data required for species type identification and accurate population number assessment as well as other important information about the nesting females which can contribute to scientific understanding.
? Because of the low beach fidelity of Leatherbacks, full collaboration with all known projects, National Parks and all researchers along the Andaman coast is highly called for.
9.3.2. Information about past nesting
? Information about nesting -even in recent seasons is patchy, e.g. It is still unknown which other species besides Leatherback nested on these beaches since 2003. Therefore I suggest continuing integration of qualitative records from local communities as a useful source of information regarding past nesting population.
9.4. Personnel
? This Season one of the RA's firstly postponed their arrival several times and then cancelled at the last minute. This put a lot more pressure upon the remaining team.
Next season both RA's should arrive at the beginning of the season and a replacement list should be made available to the project leader, so that any RA's cancelling can be replaced.
? There were no volunteers during the two weeks that coincided with the peak nesting season! An effort was made to get volunteers once this problem was known but evidently at too short a notice. This meant that the patrols had to be scaled down considerably and the remaining team had to work an extremely difficult schedule for that period to ensure the beaches were patrolled.
Next season no gaps should occur!!
? This year problems arose in achieving our goals because we had to abide by ISV's own set rules. It is very important for WARThai to stipulate their regulations and put together an overview of the volunteer programme. This information needs to be communicated to all parties who show interest in volunteering before arrival and agreed upon.
I would suggest doing this so that the independent volunteers and especially the participating organisations know the projects expectations before arrival.
9.5. Communication and information
? Because of the nature of the project and its reliability on outside researchers the project should take the responsibility upon them to properly inform the new project leader!
It is a lot better for the project if the new leader can pick up where the previous one left off.
The members of the WARthai staff play a key role in providing this information such as; certain documents, past proposals, reports etc.
All the information and tools that are needed by the project leader to fulfil his or her task, should be ready and at hand upon his or her arrival!
? After the IOSEA events I was requested to write a report to IOSEA justifying exact spending and changes to the original proposal etc. This proved extremely difficult as fundamental information such as spending was not shared. Because of this I had to work extremely hard to obtain all the required information and this took a lot more time than should have been necessary. Information needs to be given more freely or such reports should be written by those who have the information.
? Effort should be made to keep staff members with past season experience to give the project continuity. Furthermore through gathering experience these members will one day be able to run the project independently.
Dom is the perfect candidate. An effort should be made to train him further for his role and each season more responsibility should be given to him until he can manage all aspects of the project independently.
9.6. Education
? Children enjoyed the education presentations so much better when they were carried out in Thai language. Originally they had to be presented in English and translated, which dragged the presentation out considerably but for next year Thai language presentation should be the priority.
9.7. Health and Safety
? Health and safety seriously needs to be considered when organising patrols upon the more remote beaches. One way of doing this is by ensuring the best distribution of resources available and to have a solid contingency plan; all will have to be dynamic, taking the many changing factors into consideration.
? In case of emergency a vehicle should be stationed at Baan Talae Nork beach every night patrols take place so swift evacuation can occur if needed.
9.8. Other Activities
? The trips for the volunteers, such as the fortnightly waterfall trips and the Banana Bay dinner days, proved to be very good for moral. However after the ISV groups finished and volunteers were participating independently, no budget or vehicle was available for these trips. This left some of the volunteers and Sea Turtle staff feeling a bit low especially when night patrols had ended.
Regardless of the numbers of volunteers I would recommend that at least one trip per week is organized for the volunteers to get out of the village to keep spirits up.
X. Acknowledgements
The efforts of many people made the project possible this year.
Firstly all the volunteers from both ISV and independent who showed considerable dedication especially in night time patrolling, the WARED staff that became drafted into the project helping with transporting people down to the beach and even patrolling ( Yan).
May for all her help going well beyond volunteer co-ordinator duties, Melanie Schultz for her hard work throughout the season, Khun Preecha for his presentations to volunteers about the culture and language of Thailand, Dom for his exceptional commitment to patrols being present on nearly every night patrol of the season, Bung Deed for his enthusiastic conversion to Sea Turtle conservation and information regarding Sea Turtle nesting. All involved in the running of the IOSEA workshop.
For all their support and advice I would like to thank Scompotch, Agneese, Tony, Scott and Pornpen. Bundit Chokesanguan, Douglous Hykle, Sontaya and Dr Aureggi also deserve acknowledgement for their consultation regarding Sea Turtle issues this season.
My special thanks go out to my partner Els for her continuing love and support during the last 6 months and for helping me edit my report and put it into form.
Reference
Andaman News. 2007. Thailand : rare release of Leatherback turtles. TV11 Phuket
Aureggi, M., G. Gerosa & S. Chantrapornsyl. 1999. Marine Turtle Survey at Phra Thong Island , South Thailand . Marine Turtle Newsletter 85:4-5 .
Balazs G. H 1999. Factors to Consider in the tagging of Sea Turtles. Research and Management Techniques for the conservation of Sea Turtles.
Chantrapornsyl, S. 1997. Status of Marine turtles in Thailand . Phuket Marine Biology Centre. Unpubl Manuscript. 9pp.
Clark, C. A. 1997. WWF Amicus Brief to WTO: The Shrimp-Turtle dispute. Unpubl Manuscript.
Chokesaguan, B. 2006. Conservation and Management of Sea Turtle through the Implementation of Turtle Excluder Device (TED) in Southeast Asia in the year 2005. SEAFDEC / Training Department. Unpubl Manuscript.
Eckert, K. L., K. A. Bjorndal, F. A; Abreu-Grobois and M. Donnelly (editors). 1999. Research and Management Techniques for the Conservation of Sea Turtles.
Fretey, J. and Girondot, M. 1989. Hydrodynamic factors involved in choice of nesting site and time of arrivals of leatherbacks in french Guiana. 9th Workshop on Sea Turtle, Biology and Conservation, Jeckhill Island ( Georgia ).
Forbes, S. 2006. WAR Thai 2005 - 2006 Sea Turtle Conservation Project Report.
Garrett, B. 2004. WAR Thai 2003 - 2004 Sea Turtle Conservation Project Report.
Georges, Y.G. Bills, A. Ferraroli, S. Fossette, S. Fretey, J. Gremillet, D. Le Mayo, Y. Myers, A. E. Tanaka, & H. Hays, G. 2006. Meta-Analysis of movements in Atlantic Leatherback turtles during nesting season: Conservation implications. Marine Ecology progress series.
Maitree, D. 2006. News and Legal Briefs. The Nation , Marine Turtle Newsletter 113:19-21.
Mancini A. & Mairesse D. (2005) WAR Thai 2004-2005 Sea Turtle conservation project report.
Mortimer, J. A 1988. The Pilot Project To Promote Sea Turtle Conservation In Southern Thailand . Report to Wildlife Fund Thailand .
Settle, S. 1995. Status of Nesting Populations of Sea Turtles in Thailand and Their Conservation. Marine Turtle Newsletter 68:8-13
Shanker, k. Arthur, A. Jairaj, B. Rodriguez, S. & Sridhar , A. 2006. The Long Term Impact of the 2004 Tsunami: Implications for marine turtles and their habitats. Conservation and Management
Spotila, J. R. 2004 Sea Turtles. John Hopkins University Press, London .
Tippayawong, S. 2006. News and legal briefs. The Nation , Marine Turtle Newsletter 113:19-21.
WAR Thai web - site: www.warthai.org
WWF - Thailand web - site:www.wwfthai.org
http://newstodaynet.com/23apr/rf10.htm
List of Appendixes
I. Data Sheet
II. Investigation of Potential Sea Turtle Foraging areas off the Coast of the Baan Talae Nork
III. School Education Day Report
IV. Suggestions for the Haad-Thaymuang Sea Turtle Project.
APENDIX I
Data Sheet
APPENDIX II.
Investigation of Potential Sea Turtle Foraging areas
off the Coast of the Baan Talae Nork
Adrian Davies, Researcher
WARThai Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Introduction
The Leam Son islands off the coast of Baan Talae Nork are thought to be surrounded by foraging grounds for Sea Turtles . It is well known by local fishermen that Green Sea Turtles (and possibly other species) used to inhabit these areas, resting in some of the crevices and caves around the reefs.
Some Assessment has been made of these foraging grounds prior; Garrett B (2004), Mancini A. and Mairesse D (2005), concerning sea grass beds and coral reefs. Garrett B (2004) found that the habitat was potentially good habitat for Olive-Ridley and Hawksbill turtle but not for Green Turtles.
Since the devastation of the Tsunami 26 th December 2004 re-assessment of these feeding grounds is needed to determine what condition these grounds are now in.
Olive Ridley turtles tend to forage off shore in soft-bottomed waters and are omnivorous eating anything from Jellyfish, crustations, and even algae. Both Green and Hawksbill turtles are known to inhabit coral reefs. Hawksbills feed mainly upon sponges but also eat sea cucumbers, sea anemones, and mollusks. Green turtles feed on algae and Turtle grass (Thalassia). Leatherback Sea Turtles forage in open water, mostly on jellyfish, usually far away from land and are unlikely to be seen around coral reefs.
Green and Hawksbill turtles are commonly found to inhabit a known area on a coral reef, returning to the same spot to sleep most nights (Spotila (2006)). As these species have been spotted at some specific sites, around Leam Son Islands , in the past by local fishermen, we could expect to find them (or signs of) during investigation of those sites.
Methods
The open ocean foraging potential for Leatherbacks in the area was assessed separately through observation of the abundance of Jellyfish found in the ocean over the nesting season.
For the Assessment of foraging grounds for other Sea Turtle species, specific sites needed to be identified for investigation.
Sites were chosen under advice of Agen Scompotch who has a lot of knowledge about Sea Turtle foraging grounds off the Leam Son Islands . Sites were chosen specifically; in which sightings of sea turtles had occurred, which had sea grass and/or coral reef (foraging habitat).
At each site three divers would investigate the area, noting marine fauna and flora found. Photographs were taken when possible, as well as some samples when species type was unknown . (See Appendix for site description, dive plans and flora and fauna recorded)
Specifically any observation of Sea Turtle species were noted at each site and any organisms found at the site which sea turtles are known to feed on were investigated for any signs of Sea turtle feeding such as bite marks.
Limitations
Within our time frame and budget we were only able to investigate four specific sites of potential foraging habitat over Two days using scuba diving equipment. The planned use of snorkeling equipment was not effective due to the depth of the sites and murky conditions.
Along the Andaman coast of Thailand the main nesting season is from November until February. Green Turtle nesting takes place during March and April. Therefore the date of the investigation (24 th and 25 th February) was unfortunately at the end of the nesting season for the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtle and before the main nesting season for Green turtles. This would have proven unfavorable for sightings of the local breeding Sea Turtle populations (either they would have finished the season and migrated to other areas already or would be yet to arrive).
Results
No sightings or signs of feeding of any species of Sea Turtle occurred upon the four dives, despite some of the dive sites being known feeding areas of Sea Turtle species in the past.
There was a definite lack of Sea grass and algae which Green turtles are known to feed upon, also there were a lack of sponges which Hawksbills mainly feed upon. However we did witness an abundance of sea cucumbers and small crustaceans , which Olive Ridleys feed upon (Hawksbill can also feed on these).
A large number of jellyfish have been witnessed during the Season, mainly through post high tide stranding on patrolled beaches. Furthermore since the Tsunami harvests of Jellyfish have increased. The reason for this could be due to the increased organic material and nutrients in the area. This increased number of jellyfish would prove favorable for Leatherback Sea Turtles and to a lesser degree also Olive Ridley's.
The dive sites were seen to be in a bad condition with a lot of s edimentation, and some coral damage. The coral damage and sedimentation 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.
Coral Spawning was taking place during the two days of investigation. Another worthy point is that a lot of litter was seen floating in the ocean, such as Styrofoam and plastic bags, both around the islands and in the open ocean on the way to the islands.
Discussion
No sightings of Sea Turtles in the area were reported from local fishermen or boat drivers for this year. With the findings of the investigation this confirms no Sea Turtles have been foraging at these sites.
The foraging grounds are likely to support breeding populations from the area during the nesting season (particularly individuals nesting upon the beaches monitored by WARThai). As no females nested this year within the area, a lack of individuals from the breeding population would have been expected at these grounds.
However individuals who are not part of this breeding population could also forage within these grounds during their migrations. These individuals may nest 1000's of km away.
Further information about the dates/frequency of the sightings and type of species seen would be needed to determine the correct origin of these individuals sighted in the past. It may well have been a mixture of both types (breeding and migratory foraging individuals).
The lack of feeding substrate for Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles, sponges and Sea grass, could be due to the recent Tsunami on December 2004. However previous investigation (Mancini & Mairesse (2005) and Garrett, B (2004)) also showed this area to be lacking sea grass and algae prior to the Tsunami. With sea grass beds, which appeared healthy only a few years prior, being patchy and covered in sediment (Garrett, B 2004).
There were some clear signs of Tsunami damage however such as a lot of coral branch breakage and general coral damage.
Conclusion
Potentially Hawksbills and Olive Ridley sea turtle species could be supported in the foraging areas investigated around the Leam son Islands .
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.
No Sea Turtles foraging within these grounds can be linked to the reduction of the breeding population in the area and along the Andaman coast. However seems as foraging individuals from other nesting population (possibly 1000's km away) may also have inhabited these grounds in the past further investigation is recommended into the loss of Sea Turtles from these foraging grounds.
Reference
Forbes, S. 2006. WAR Thai 2005 - 2006 Sea Turtle Conservation Project Report.
Garrett, B. 2004. War Thai 2003 - 2005 Sea Turtle Conservation Project report
Spotila, J. R. 2004 Sea Turtles. John Hopkins University Press, London
Mancini A. & Mairesse D. (2005) WAR Thai 2004-2005 Sea Turtle conservation project report.
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lepidochelys_olivacea.html
APPENDIX - SITE LISTS
SITE 1.
Location
Off the coast of Khow Kwauy Island .
Description of site
The coral reef roughly follows the line of the shore remaining equidistance from it, around 50 meters. The coral reef was mainly at a depth of 3m. Visibility was poor with some improved sections
Dive plan
Moving in the direction of the island from our offshore position at a depth of around 7m until coral reef, move over coral reef on same bearing at around 3m until its end, follow on the same bearing briefly and then return on reverse bearing to the boat. 45 minutes length
Divers
Adrian, Michelle, Melanie
Observations
The first dive had a few starting problems with divers getting used to the equipment. However after a short period the investigation was started with 2 remaining divers
Prior to reaching the coral reef the dominant species were Sea whips anchored in the sandy substrate, a number of sand gobbys were also seen moving in and out of their holes. The coral reef was formed upon a tight collection of boulders; we observed mainly Encrusting coral and boulder coral with some Brain and branching coral. Within sandy patches between the coral reef we found some sea fans and again some sea whips. The other side of the coral reef again had sea whips anchored into the substrate, but no sea grass. On a number of occasions around the reef mainly we saw some box fish and a limited amount of angel fish and butterfly fish as well as a couple of groupers.
One transparent sea cucumber was noted upon the coral reef. In general fauna was not abundant. Right at the end of the reef we were lucky enough to see a beautiful Leopard spotted moray Eel perturbing from its hole making a pleasant surprise climax to the investigation. Sedimentation was present over much of the reef and some damage could be seen to the coral, i.e. Branch corals with many of the branches snapped off,
SITE 2
Location
Just of the coast of Kum Nui Island , it consisted of a reef extending toward the island
Description of site
The coral reef was patchy in places extending into the sandy shore of Kum Nui Island , there was a definite coral reef edge which became more defined as you moved away from the shore. Coral reef was around 5m depth at the reef edge, however it got to less than 1m as it extended into the shore. Visibility was poor.
Dive plan
Move over the patchy reef away from the shore until reaching the reef edge, upon reaching the reef edge move along side at roughly 10m until the end of the dive, surface and be picked up by boat. 40 minutes
Divers
Adrian, Michelle, Jem
Observations
We descended down to 5m onto closely clustered patchy coral reef which extended towards the shore with a lot of sedimentation. We moved over the coral reef observing branching coral and brain coral, some mushroom coral, table coral and some sea cabbage. We observed some Sea Amnions. There were a lot of sea urchins at this site, one or two shore crabs and a number of transparent sea cucumbers.
After reaching the reef shelf we traveled along side at between 8 and 12m for the rest of the dive, here we observed numerous Angel fish, and butterfly fish, some groupers and box fish and the occasional parrot fish. There was again some reef damage shown by short broken branches from the branching coral.
SITE 3.
Location
Of the island of fai lap, directly opposite Kum yai Island
Description of site
There was a loose cluster of patchy coral reef extending into the rocky cove of Fai Lap. The patchy coral reef is within 1m depth of water extending out to roughly 10m. There is no definite reef edge, moving around the corner from the shore the coral reef is formed upon giant boulders, many of which break the surface of the water. These boulders make a number of channels, caves and overhangs. Visibility was good for half of the dive but there were some terrible sections,
Dive plan
Head out towards the end of the patchy reef until depth of 10m roughly, briefly move past the end of the clusters, then come back to the edge of the clusters and move along the edge passing by the boulders checking below overhangs, in caves and channels. Surface and be collected by boat. 50 minutes
Divers
Adrian, Melanie, Jem
Observations
Half way through the dive a controlled ascent was needed due to one of the regulators breaking, the dive then continued on the same plan.
We started considerably closer to shore at less than 2m depth. We moved out through the loose clusters of patchy coral reef spotting a number of hidden rays that sped off due to our presence in such shallow water (Although not confirmed these are likely to of been the blue spotted rays common to the area) Also again there was a strong presence of sand gobbys darting in and out of their holes in the sandy substrate.
Between patches we were confronted with extremely poor visibility. Upon passing the clusters of coral reef we again had very poor visibility and saw no signs of any sea grass. Next we traveled along the edge of the patchy coral reef. In certain sections visibility improved considerably and we saw an abundance of Angel fish, butterfly fish and parrot fish. with some large groupers and box fish.
The reef was made up of considerably more branching corals and brain corals, we noted more mushroom corals, whilst again also observing encrusting corals, and boulder coral. There were also sea cabbage and red sea amnions spotted at this site. Around the boulders we saw the bigger sea cucumbers along with the transparent thinner ones (noted on previous dives), there were again sea urchins present. Coral damage was slightly less at this site.
SITE 4
Location
Off the south facing shore of fai Lap Island .
Description of site
Cluster of patchy coral extending into the rocky shore of Fai Lap . Coral forming on boulders which break the surface of the water as you reach the shore
Dive plan
Move towards the shore until reaching the patchy coral reef, then turning left follow the reef edge for the remainder of the dive.
Divers
Melanie, Jem and Michelle
Observations
During the dive branching coral, encrusting coral, and table coral were observed. Sea Urchins, both kinds of Sea cucumbers and sea mollusks were seen attached to the rocks on sandy patches in-between coral or within crevices. One exciting discovery was a Lion fish lurking under a rock. Angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish and gobys were noted during the dive. Damage due to the Tsunami was not identified
APPENDIX III
School Education Report
Date of visits: 01-Mar-2007
• Suksumran School
Att.: Pi Dom, Adrian, Laura, Melanie, Davy
Children: 64
Age group: 11, 12
9:00 |
Brief introduction of the Warthai sea turtle project & presentation of the different Warthai members |
9:15 |
Detailed presentation of the 4 different turtle species indigenous to Thailand , the turtle lifecycle, their feeding habits and nesting areas |
9:45 |
The main threats to turtle conservation were outlined, including an explanation of how these impact the turtle population |
10:00 |
Bingo game |
10:25 |
Turtle song |
10:35 |
Pictionary game |
10:55 |
Turtle Song |
11:00 |
End |
Remarks:
• The pictionary game was played for the first time and the children responded very well to it. The children are split into two groups and a designated child has to draw a picture of a turtle-related object that they are shown on a piece of paper. We time how long it takes for their team to guess and the winning team is that which guesses in the shortest time. Some of the clues were harder than others so the next time we played the game we separated the easy and hard ones to make it fairer.
• As always, the children really enjoy the bingo game and singing the turtle song.
• The children were very well disciplined, sitting neatly in their rows and were quite shy when answering questions.
APPENDIX IV
Suggestions for the Haad- Thaymuang Sea Turtle Project
For improving the sanctuary, I realise that resources are sometimes limited but a couple of things that could be improved if resources allowed:
1. Diet of the turtles kept in captivity . As I was aware all species were fed only fish but this is not their diet in the wild.
If a more species specific diet could be adopted (e.g. Sea grasses and algae for Green turtles and Sponges for Hawksbills), this would benefit the turtles returning to the wild, and maybe improve the health and colour of these individuals
2. Tank size. The space available for some individuals was a little concerning, although Art already explained that there were plans underway to improve this.
3. Breeding program . I was very impressed to hear of the nesting success of the Olive Ridley Turtle 4 years ago, and that she had also come up again just a few nights prior to my visit, which suggests she is likely to nest. Breeding Sea Turtles in captivity is something I have heard to be very difficult and complicated
One suggestion to improve the chance of the female laying is to make a much longer and wider stretch of sand for the nesting turtle. The more natural the condition the more likely she is to nest. The vegetation I saw planted was also a good idea as both Hawksbills and Olive Ridleys are found to nest in these conditions. Another suggestion is to avoid any man made light, or noise around the enclosure as this discourages nesting.
4. Environmental Enrichment . Presenting the turtles with situations and objects they would likely encounter in the wild, (e.g. Reef environment for Hawksbill Turtles, Sea Grass beds for green turtles). This would improve conditions for the turtle mentally and even physically. Green turtles keep their shells clean in the wild by rubbing them against rocks.
Greens and Hawksbills are commonly found sleeping in caves or under rocky outcrops. Overall the more natural the conditions the turtle encounters, the less stressed the animal and thus healthier.
As I mentioned earlier these improvements of course will depend on available funds. Grants are also available for these kind of improvements such as the Marching Animal Welfare Trust, Animal Welfare Trust.
Further to my suggestions I suggest further consultation with a long standing breeding program for further information.
The question whether Leatherback hatchlings should be in captivity at all
There are some very good reasons as to why not just Leatherback hatchlings but also all species of sea turtle hatchlings should not be kept in captivity.
Hatchlings undergo a period of high intensity swimming (swimming frenzy) as soon as they enter the ocean. This is necessary for them to avoid predation and then get out to the open ocean where they are safer. Experiments have been performed which show hatchlings lose this instinct rapidly over time, hatchlings released later than in the night when they emerged from the nest stop swimming before they reach open ocean (consequently if they are still near shore after they have lost motivation to swim they will get caught by predators or drift back to the beaches).
Further it is conceivable that turtles which spend some time in captivity cannot collect sufficient information about the nesting beach, and so may not be able to return to the nesting beach as adults.
Hatchlings injure themselves through constantly banging into the sides of the tank when they are undergoing their instinctive swimming frenzy.
Unknowingly some Head Start Programs, as they are called, have produced unequal female populations due to a failure to vary the incubation temperature. It is very hard to tell the gender of hatchlings but decades later it was seen that adult females returning to that area were laying unfertalised eggs (a sign that there was a lack of breeding males). Similar situations could also occur without the random variation given by nature.
Even the relocation of a nest can be detrimental to hatching rate. The common understanding is that 1 hour is the time available for eggs to be out of the nest before hatching success starts to decrease.
From what I have experienced and reviewed, poaching is still a large problem on Thailand nesting beaches. So unless the eggs are protected in the wild then they have a high likelihood of being poached. It is my opinion that time and resources would be better spent protecting laid nests in situ where possible and disguising tracks that are tell tale signs for turtle nests, rather than developing head start programs which have high uncertainty of success.
Nests can also be caged (and the cage hidden beneath the sand) to avoid predation from animals such as dogs, monitor lizards further reducing the failure rate.
I do see that the practices employed at Haad -Thaymuang can contribute, to raising awareness for turtle conservation, and to research. Still I would recommend that the majority of nests are protected in situ as described previous. However a small portion could be re-located and incubated for later release (maybe nests that are destined to fail such as those laid below the high water mark). If possible these should also be released upon hatching that same night, some could be kept for longer if necessary.
Satellite Tracking
WAR has not done any satellite tracking; however I have experience in this matter from previous work. It is very expensive around about 1500 pounds per transmitter depending upon model, and one transmitter is not really enough to ensure you get some results. The cost can be offset by the sponsorship of a turtle (where people/companies sponsor a turtle and receive information updates of where their turtle is) or available grants.
A lot of useful information from a turtle is gained via this method, such as where its feeding habitats are and the migration route, which will consequently help the population's conservation.
