STUDY HAS shown that the population of endangered turtle species continues to decrease due to sea level rise.
A research carried out by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) found that turtle species have been pushed to the brink of extinction as nesting beaches continue to disappear due to sea level rise.
The report also highlights that poaching of turtles have been increasing in many parts of the world and is another threat to endangered turtle species.
With the increasing threat to the world’s most endangered species, The Nature Conservancy is working on the ground and in the water to help turtles and other threatened species thrive.
Recently TNC and the Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area (ACMCA) launched a turtle tagging programme as part of a new study to protect the endangered Hawksbill turtle.
The programme was established to help track hawksbill turtle migration within the South Pacific.
Explaining the programme earlier this month, TNC Melanesia Programme Director, Richard Hamilton said data collected from the project will be some of the first information on whether the current Arnavon boundaries are sufficient to protect nesting turtles and where Arnavon’s turtles migrate to in between nesting years.
He explained that The Nature Conservancy’s Scientist will track the tagged turtles whenever they come to the surface using a GPS signal.
Mr Hamilton adds that the GPS fixed will upload information that will assist the scientist to map and analyse the turtles’ movement, getting a better picture of their nesting, migration and feeding behaviours.
He stressed that turtle tagging has been done before, however a comprehensive turtle tagging programme has never been done at the Arnavons.
Mr Hamilton said recommendations from the study will help change policy, inclusive community-based management and long-term commitment that would turn the tide for one of the most charismatic and endangered species on the planet.
According to TNC, turtles are amongst the oldest reptiles on Earth and they can swim thousands of miles.
TNC report also highlights that turtles are harmless sea animals, adding it is nature’s treasures that needs protection.
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