Protecting Malaysia's Sea Turtles
Habitat Restoration, Egg Protection, and Even Cloning Considered
A multifaceted approach is being implemented to keep leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle populations from further decline in Malaysia where fisheries interactions, coastal development, pollution and traditional cultural use of turtles has reduced populations.
Projects include:
Sea Turtle Egg and Nest Protection
Malaysians have traditionally eaten turtle eggs. Unfortunately, the tourist industry in West Malaysia has recently been encouraging local tourists to buy and eat turtle eggs as part of their local experience. That trend has fueled the illegal poaching and smuggling of sea turtle eggs from East Malaysia and the Philippines.
In response the Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group from the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, has begun a Say No to Turtle and Terrrapin Eggs campaign. Their goal is to have at least a million Malaysians sign a pledge not to eat turtle eggs for the rest of their lives, and to encourage their friends to do the same.
In sea turtle nesting zones, villagers are paid to guard the nests against poachers. A similar program, which employs former poachers, has proven successful in Sri Lanka. The combination of awareness raising and active protection of sea turtle nests is expected to have a significant positive impact.
Culturing Seaweed to Feed Sea Turtles
Sea turtles feed on Glacilaria seaweed. The Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre is growing Glacilaria to be planted in areas where green and olive ridley sea turtles are regularly seen. The increase in food resources in those areas will benefit the dugong (Dugong dugon), which is listed as Vulnerable to Extinction, and other ocean species.
Improving Sea Turtle Sex Ratio
Male sea turtle numbers have been declining as climate change alters the temperature in nesting areas. Some eggs are being moved from warmer sites to areas with temperatures between 27ºC and 29ºC, which will then produce more male turtles. At present only one male is being hatched for every four females born.
Cloning of Leatherback Sea Turtles
The most unusual and controversial idea being discussed is the cloning of leatherback sea turtles. This species is suffering the most in Malaysia. Nesting sites once numbered around 5,000 but today fewer than ten are active. The proposal is to release cloned hatchlings to supplement the local populations. Sea turtles generally return to their natal beach so hatchlings released would be expected to return to their release beach, allowing scientists to repopulate areas that have a better chance of maintaining sea turtle nests.
The concerns about this proposal are numerous:
- There is no record of a reptile being cloned
- Health and longevity in cloned domestic animals has been questionable
- Cloned hatchlings might introduce disease or congenital problems into a leatherback sea turtle population which is already showing reduced hatching success.
- Funds diverted into this program might better be used in proven conservation measures
In order for Malaysia’s sea turtle populations to recover, efforts must be directed at managing development along the coast, controlling the local fisheries, reducing poaching and reducing pollution. The variety of organizations and projects being implemented shows that the country is making strides in the right direction.
