As part of farewelling 2013 and welcoming the New Year, Likuliku Lagoon Resort released a young male hawksbill turtle.
The significant occasion brought together guests and resort management staff, to return the turtle to his home.
The turtle was rescued by Tomasi Naulumatua staff of Likuliku Lagoon Resort during a snorkeling trip to the Castaway Wall, a popular snorkeling site.
Mr. Naulumatua found the Turtle hitting corals and rocks and was having swimming difficulties. With the assistance of the guests, Mr. Naulumatua rescued the turtle and was taken to Likuliku for further inspection by the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) Team.
MES Project Officer Mr. Soro Seru inspected the turtle and found few scratches on its carapace. The turtles Carapace length measured 38cm and width 36cm and further details entered into the Turtle Research and Monitoring Database( TRED) which is monitored by South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
The Turtle was later tagged by Mr. Seru before it was released from the beach by Norrisol Ferrarior, an in- house guest at Likuliku.
“Turtles are listed as an endangered marine species in Fiji due to over fishing. Such act by Likuliku is positive indication of being loyal towards the conservation of endangered species. More to that, the Mamanuca region is a common nesting site of Turtles. So their protection within the region is important as it will help maintain their population.”
