Turtle Conservation In The Mamanucas

Turtles, as we all know, are an endangered species. Four species – Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, and Leatherback are known to feed in Fiji waters although only two (Hawksbills and Greens) have been found to nest on our beaches. A moratorium on molesting, taking, or killing of turtles was put in place on the 1st of Feb, 2004 expiring this December (2008). NGO’s Fiji wide have been working together to help Fisheries gather enough evidence through research to submit a proposal to Government for an extension of this moratorium. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) imposes an obligation to control the unregulated harvest of endangered species in their habitats and to protect them by regulating their international trade with the cooperation of States with regard to export and importation. Fiji joined CITES in 1998. An aim of CITES is that by 2010 all countries under CITES must have assisted in the regeneration of 20% – 30% of endangered species. This nesting season, one aim was for Fiji to satellite tag its first turtle. December 2007 saw MES, with IMR and WWF, conducting turtle awareness to two communities in the region – Yaro and Yanuya Village. Surveys were also conducted on three of our beaches in the region – Monuriki, Treasure Island, and Bounty Island. Unfortunately no turtles came up to nest during our watch.