KOROR, Palau (28 July 2006) -- The Bureau of Marine Resources' Office of the Marine Turtle Conservation and Monitoring Program has estimated that about 30 percent of the nests of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle have been poached in the Rock Islands. The office said it wants to stop this illegal activity once and for all because of its severe negative impact on the next generation of the species. Project coordinator Joshua Eberdong said the poaching of turtle nest is quite alarming and there is a need to stop this. Eberdong is reminding the public that the law will be enforced against people who are taking turtle eggs. Bureau of Marine Resources Director Theo Isamu has been briefed about the critical condition of the turtles in the Rock Islands. "Collecting turtle eggs is against the law. Unfortunately, this law is frequently broken, particularly in the Rock Islands of Koror," Eberdong said. He said between Feb. 2005 and July 2006, the Office of the Marine Turtle Conservation and Monitoring Program observed 54 unpoached nests and 23 poached nests in the area, which were made and left behind by the hawksbill turtle known locally as "ngasech." The office said that hawksbill turtles around the world are declining in number and have gone extinct in many places and if people do not follow conservation laws, Palau's hawksbills could also disappear forever. "In addition to being against the law and counter to turtle conservation, the public should know that turtle eggs are very high in fat and are likely to contribute to heart disease," the Office of the Marine Turtle Conservation and Monitoring Program said. Marine turtles in Palau are valuable for cultural, ecological, scientific, educational and recreational reasons. | | Critically endangered hawksbill turtle The most prevalent turtle species in this country, green and hawksbill turtles, are internationally recognized as threatened and critically endangered. The Office of the Marine Turtle Conservation and Monitoring Program is working to promote the long-term viability of marine turtle populations in Palau through educational outreach and research. The office said all the turtle eggs and nesting females are protected by law. To help protect baby turtle, the public is urged to report any turtle or egg poaching activity to Fish and Wildlife at 680-488-2487. SOURCE - Marianas Variety
Should Sipadan be a dive industry toilet?
Results |
