70 leatherback turtle eggs relocated to Rantau Abang hatchery

KUALA LUMPUR: Seventy leatherback turtle eggs were recovered after a turtle was found nesting at Pantai Jambu Bongkok, Marang, Terengganu, early today.

The landing was the fourth recorded in Terengganu since Sept 1, bringing the total number of eggs from four nests relocated to the hatchery at the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) in Rantau Abang to 265.

Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the latest discovery showed that leatherback turtles were still returning to Terengganu's coastline to lay eggs.

He said the development highlighted the need for continuous monitoring and nest management to improve the species' chances of survival.

"The four landings recorded from September to early October are a meaningful development in leatherback turtle conservation efforts in Terengganu.

"Most importantly, the rescued eggs are now under controlled management to give them a better chance of survival," he said in a statement today.

Adnan said the turtle was spotted by fishermen at 4am before TCIC Rantau Abang was alerted around 5.30am.

He said excavation of the nest began at 6am, with all 70 eggs recovered and transferred to the TCIC hatchery.

The turtle's track measured about 2.17 metres in width.

Adnan said the first landing was recorded on Sept 1 at Pantai Pasir Putih, Marang, involving 44 eggs, followed by 81 eggs at Pantai Rantau Abang on Sept 13 and 70 eggs at Pantai Kuala Abang on Sept 22.

All four nests are now under the conservation management of TCIC Rantau Abang and were reburied at depths between 80cm and 100cm to replicate natural nesting conditions.

The incubation period is estimated at between 55 and 70 days, depending on sand temperature and nest conditions.

The first nest is expected to hatch between Oct 26 and Nov 10, the second between Nov 7 and 22, the third between Nov 16 and Dec 1, and the fourth between Nov 25 and Dec 10.

Adnan said leatherback turtle conservation depended not only on nest management, but also on protecting nesting areas, continuous monitoring and cooperation from local communities, particularly fishermen.

"If you encounter a nesting turtle, do not disturb or touch it. Immediately report the sighting to the Fisheries Department so that appropriate action can be taken," he said.

The Fisheries Department also reminded the public that turtles and their eggs are protected by law and must not be disturbed, touched, hunted or taken.

Under the Terengganu Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021), offences involving the possession, sale or purchase of turtle eggs, or disturbing turtles, are punishable by a fine of between RM50,000 and RM250,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both, subject to the applicable provisions.

Adnan urged fishermen, residents and the public to immediately report any turtle landings or sightings to the Fisheries Department to enable prompt conservation and protection measures.

"Everyone's cooperation is important to ensure nesting areas remain protected and leatherback turtle conservation efforts in Terengganu can continue," he said.