Marine Turtle Status in Northeast Semporna Priority Conservation Area

With data contributions from:

The Reef Dive Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd.

Datu Pengiran Ahmad bin Datu Ali Alam and family

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

May 2011

WWF-Malaysia 49, Jalan SS23/15 Taman SEA 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 7803 3772 Fax: +60 3 7803 5157 E-mail: contactus@wwf.org.my Copyright © 2011 WWF-Malaysia. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. The opinions of the authors articulated in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of WWF-Malaysia. Design and layout by Gavin Jolis and Angela Lim. First published in May 2011. Suggested citation: Jolis, Gavin & Kassem, Ken. (2011). Marine Turtle Status in Northeast Semporna

Priority Conservation Area. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: WWF-Malaysia. Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Jolis, Gavin. Marine Turtle Status in Northeast Semporna Priority Conservation Area / by Gavin Jolis, Kenneth Kassem. ISBN 978-967-0237-05-3

1. Sea turtles--Conservation--Sabah--Semporna. 2. Sea turtles--Sabah--Semporna. I. Kassem, Kenneth. II. Title. 597.92809592153

Printed in Malaysia

Marine Turtle Status in Northeast

Semporna Priority Conservation Area

By

Gavin Jolis Kenneth Kassem

Report Produced Under Project MY02565

Semporna Priority Conservation Area

Facilitating Collaborative Management of Coral Reefs and Adjacent Ecosystems with Tourism and Fisheries

in Semporna, Malaysia

May 2011

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Table of Contents Table of Contents........................................................................................................ iv Acronyms........................................................................................................................ v Acknowledgements ................................................................................................... vi Executive Summary ................................................................................................. vii Ringkasan Eksekutif ............................................................................................... viii 1. Introduction.............................................................................................................. 1 2. Literature Review ................................................................................................... 5 3. Study Objectives and Geographic Scope ..................................................... 10

3.1 Study objectives .............................................................................................. 10 3.2 Geographic scope........................................................................................... 10

4. Materials and Methods ...................................................................................... 12 4.1 Semi-structured interviews with island communities, enforcement agency officers and resort operators................................. 12 4.2 Walking beach survey .................................................................................. 12 4.3 Analysis of nesting data obtained from island community and resort operators managing turtle hatcheries ............................................ 13

5. Results....................................................................................................................... 14 5.1 Semi-structured interviews with island communities, enforcement agency officers and resort operators................................. 14 5.2 Walking beach survey .................................................................................. 17 5.3 Analysis of nesting data obtained from island community and resort operators managing turtle hatcheries ............................................ 26

5.3.1 Mataking Island ........................................................................................... 26 5.3.2 Pom-Pom Island........................................................................................... 30 5.3.3 Pandanan Island .......................................................................................... 33

6. Discussion ............................................................................................................... 36 7. References................................................................................................................ 40 8. Appendices.............................................................................................................. 45

Appendix 1: Two marine turtle species found in northeast Semporna PCA...... 45 Appendix 2: Marine turtle nesting islands or beaches found in northeast Semporna PCA............................................................................................................ 46 Appendix 3: Turtle hatcheries built by resort operators and island community in northeast Semporna PCA ..................................................................................... 47 Appendix 4: Identified threats to marine turtles in northeast Semporna PCA 48 Appendix 5: Indicators of marine turtle nestings presence in northeast Semporna PCA............................................................................................................ 49

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Acronyms ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations CCL Curve carapace length CCW Curve carapace width CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of

Wild Fauna and Flora cm Centimetres e.g. For example et al. And others FAO Food and Agricultural Organisation GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System i.e. that is; in other words IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature / World

Conservation Union Kg. Kampung (village) kg Kilogramme km2 Square kilometre m2 Square metre NGO Non-governmental organisation No. Number PCA Priority Conservation Area pers. comm. Personal communication PGA Pasukan Gerakan Am (General Operations Force) RM Ringgit Malaysia SEATRU Sea Turtle Research Unit Sdn. Bhd. Sendirian Berhad (Incorporated) SIMCA Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area SSC Species Survival Commission SSME Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion TIHPA Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area UKM Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UMS Universiti Malaysia Sabah UMT Universiti Malaysia Terengganu WWF World Wide Fund for Nature

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Acknowledgements We wish to thank supporters of WWF-Malaysia Semporna PCA project: WWF-Netherlands, the Hupkes Family and the Adessium Foundation in the Netherlands. Our gratitude to resort operators, island villagers, staff and volunteers who have assisted in the assessment (The Reef Dive Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. of Mataking Island: Luke Cox, Masuara Majawi, Amelia Ng, and the patrollers; Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. of Pom-Pom Island: Peter Loong, Sally Usher, Carla Modugna, Michelle Trigg, Rayner Ignatius, and the patrollers; Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd.: Ken Chung, Arthur Severinus and staff based on Timba-Timba Island; Datu Pengiran Ahmad bin Datu Ali Alam and family of Pandanan Island; Ibnu bin Amil and the community of Kulapuan Island; Abdul Muhi Marabahan, Roni bin Gustami and the community of Boheyan Island; PGA personnel in Kulapuan, Pom-Pom and Mataking Islands; Army personnel in Pandanan and Boheyan Islands; Norliana binti Mabustan, Fredyanna Gabriellia Tinsung, Nattelee Lim Shu Lee, Nina Ho and Mohammad Harris bin Bakarah). Special thanks to Sally, Amelia and Datu Pengiran Ahmad for sharing their nesting data. Thanks to Angela Lim, Senior Communications Officer, SSME Programme, WWF-Malaysia for patiently editing this report; and Sikula Magupin, GIS Officer, WWF-Malaysia, for producing the maps in this report.

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Executive Summary

Lying at the extreme southeast corner of Sabah, the Semporna District waters contain parts of the globally significant Semporna Priority Conservation Area (PCA) of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME). The area is known for its extremely high coral and fish richness, productive marine habitats, intact ecosystem of Sipadan Island Park and frequently used migratory pathway of many charismatic species including marine turtles. Despite their abundance, the status of marine turtles in Semporna is largely unknown and is limited to several studies on populations and human-turtle interactions. Hence, between November 2009 and April 2010, an assessment was carried out by WWF-Malaysia with island communities and resort operators to address the gaps in information. WWF-Malaysia surveyed six islands located in the northeast of the Semporna PCA. The number of species, distribution, nesting abundance, nesting season, and threats of marine turtles in the area were qualitatively investigated through stakeholder interviews and rapid surveys. The three species of marine turtles found in the northeast Semporna PCA are Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the occasional Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). The six islands surveyed were Mataking, Pom-Pom, Pandanan, Timba-Timba, Kulapuan, and Boheyan. With proactive thinking and commitment to turtle conservation, two resort operators and a local family were observed to manage turtle hatcheries in the area. They patrol the beaches along the islands of Mataking, Pom-Pom and Pandanan for nests. Once found, eggs are transported to hatcheries as soon as possible. Each nest is then labeled and recorded. Identified threats include poaching of eggs from nests for food or sale; hunting of adults for food; natural predators (monitor lizards, ghost crabs and ants) and domesticated predators (cats and dogs) that prey on eggs and hatchlings; coastal development; erosion of nesting beaches; incidental capture; discarded plastic bags; boat propeller accidents; fish bombing; human-wildlife conflict at seaweed farms; and cutting of coastal vegetation. The results of this assessment will be used as a baseline for monitoring as well as conservation planning and management of marine turtles in the Semporna PCA. Recommendations and next steps suggested include habitat protection, nest protection (eggs and hatchlings), education and awareness, and long-term monitoring programme, as well as collaborative and responsible eco-tourism.

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Ringkasan Eksekutif Perairan Daerah Semporna yang terletak di bahagian Tenggara Sabah, merupakan sebahagian daripada Kawasan Pemuliharaan Keutamaan Semporna di Ekorantau Marin Sulu-Sulawesi (Semporna PCA). Kawasan ini terkenal dengan kepelbagaian spesies ikan dan terumbu karangnya mempunyai habitat-habitat marin yang produktif, ekosistem Taman Pulau Sipadan yang masih utuh serta menjadi laluan migrasi untuk spesies-spesies marin seperti penyu. Walaupun penyu sering kelihatan di perairan Semporna, namun status sebenar populasi penyu di kawasan ini masih belum diketahui dan terhad kepada maklumat dari beberapa kajian mengenai populasi penyu serta kajian tentang interaksi diantara penyu-manusia. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, beberapa penilaian telah dilakukan di antara bulan November 2009 dan April 2010 oleh WWF-Malaysia dengan kerjasama komuniti tempatan dan pengusaha pelancongan WWF-Malaysia telah membuat tinjauan di enam pulau yang terletak di Timur Laut Semporna PCA. Analisis kualitatif tentang spesies, taburan dan kelimpahan sarang, musim pendaratan, dan ancaman-ancaman terhadap penyu turut dijalankan di kawasan ini. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa terdapat tiga spesies penyu di perairan timur laut Semporna PCA iaitu Penyu Hijau (Chelonia mydas), Penyu Sisik (Eretmochelys imbricata) dan Penyu Lipas (Lepidochelys olivacea). Keenam-enam pulau jni telah dikenalpasti sebagai tapak untuk penyu bertelur: Pulau-pulau Mataking, Pom-Pom, Pandanan, Timba-Timba, Kulapuan dan Boheyan. Terdapat dua pengusaha pelancongan dan keluarga tempatan yang melakukan program pemuliharaan penyu melalui pengurusan pusat penetasan telur penyu. Mereka juga sering membuat rondaan di sepanjang kawasan pantai Pulau Mataking, Pom-Pom dan Pandanan untuk mencari sarang penyu. Telur-telur penyu yang ditemui akan dipindahkan dan ditanam di pusat penetasan penyu dengan segera. Setiap sarang yang ditemui akan dilabel dan direkod. Terdapat beberapa ancaman terhadap penyu di kawasan ini. Antaranya pengutipan telur penyu secara haram untuk dimakan dan dijual; pemburuan penyu-penyu dewasa untuk dimakan; pemangsa semulajadi (biawak, ketam hantu dan semut) dan pemangsa domestik (kucing dan anjing) yang mengancam telur dan anak penyu; pembangunan pesisiran pantai; hakisan pantai; penangkapan secara tidak sengaja, pembuangan beg plastik; perlanggaran dengan kipas bot; bom ikan; konflik manusia-haiwan (ladang rumpai laut); dan penebangan tumbuhan pesisiran pantai. Hasil kajian ini akan digunakan untuk tujuan pemantauan dan pengurusan pemuliharaan penyu di kawasan Semporna PCA. Antara cadangan dan pelan tindakan lanjut yang diutarakan adalah perlindungan habitat, perlindungan sarang penyu, pendidikan dan kesedaran, program pemantauan jangka panjang serta aktiviti eko-pelancongan secara bertanggungjawab dan bekerjasama.

1. Introduction Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines. They have lived on earth for over 200 million years. There are three distinct types of turtles: marine turtles which are big and live in saltwater; terrapins which have webbed feet and live in freshwater; and tortoises which have tough, thick shells and scales, and live on land in dry conditions. Marine turtles dwell in tropical and subtropical seas throughout the world. They are partially covered in scales, have streamlined bodies, large paddle-like flippers, lungs that require them to surface frequently for air, and salt glands that help them adapt to life in the sea. Unlike their terrestrial and freshwater counterparts, marine turtles are unable to retract their heads and limbs into their shells. Marine turtles are the only widely distributed marine reptiles. Many species migrate for hundreds or even thousands of kilometres among their feeding, mating and nesting grounds. After mating occurs near their nesting grounds, the females come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. Female turtles return to nest on the same beach on which they were born. Males never return to the beach. The males mate with several females in the water before returning to their feeding grounds. All marine turtles begin their lives as tiny hatchlings on land. The sex of hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest where warmer nests produce a majority of female hatchlings while cooler nests produce mostly male hatchlings. The scientific classification of marine turtles is described below: Kingdom : Animalia Phylum : Chordata Class : Reptilia Order : Testudines Suborder : Cryptodira Superfamily : Chelonioidea (Bauer, 1893) Family : Cheloniidae (Oppel, 1811) : Dermochelyidae : Protostegidae (extinct) : Toxochelyidae (extinct) : Thalassemyidae (extinct) Today, there are seven extant or existing species of marine turtles; namely, the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) (Family Dermochelydae), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Flatback (Natator depressus), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempi), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) (all in the family Cheloniidae). An eighth species, the Black turtle (Chelonia agassizii), is currently a subject of debate among biologists (Pilcher, 2001).

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Some of the important roles marine turtles play in ecosystems and economies of countries are:

1. Green turtles mostly graze on seagrass and algae, keeping them healthy. Commercially important species (e.g. shrimp, lobster, and fish) thrive in healthier and more productive seagrass areas, which are known to be important breeding and development areas for many species of fish and other marine life. Hence, turtles contribute to better marine harvest, benefitting the fishing industry;

2. Beaches and dunes form a fragile ecosystem that depends on vegetation as a defence against erosion. By depositing their eggs on the shore, turtles transport vital nutrients from the ocean to nutrient-poor coastal and inshore areas. As the dune vegetation grows stronger and healthier, the health of the entire beach or dune ecosystem becomes better. Stronger vegetation and root systems help to hold the sand in the dunes and to protect the beach from excessive erosion;

3. Turtles help maintain coral reef health. Hawksbill turtles feed mostly on sponges found in crevices between corals, freeing space for settlement of other organisms and this leads to succession on reefs. Small pieces of the sponges left uneaten by Hawksbills are also a food source for fishes;

4. Leatherback and Green turtles enjoy immunity from the sting of deadly jellyfish and regularly eat them, helping to keep tropical beaches safe for humans and maintaining an ecological balance. Jellyfish feed on juvenile fishes, upon which the commercial fisheries industry ultimately depends;

5. Turtle hatchlings play a very important role as food source for many fishes in the sea which eventually end up in commercial markets;

6. Marine turtles are also one of the main attractions for marine tourism as they are considered charismatic by divers and non-divers;

7. Turtles can be used as an attraction by local communities seeking to transition from a complete dependency on natural resources to a sustainable eco-tourism-based economy; and

8. Turtles are a flagship species for both local and regional conservation, and by conserving turtles and their habitats, vast marine areas on which both marine and human species depend would be protected.

Marine turtles are considered a globally important species. This is demonstrated by the existence of various international and regional initiatives on the conservation of the species such as the Indian Ocean South East Asia Memorandum of Understanding; Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN Sea Turtle Conservation and Protection; FAO Technical Consultation on Sea Turtles Conservation and Fisheries; and National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia, 2009). All marine turtles have been listed on Appendix I of CITES since 1981. Ratified by 175 countries, CITES protects marine turtles from international commercial trade

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in individuals, parts, and derivatives. The IUCN is the world’s main authority on the conservation status of species. The status of each species of marine turtles is categorised under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as shown in Table 1. The criteria for categorisations are rate of decline, population size, geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. Table 1: Status of seven extant marine turtle species under the IUCN Red List Threatened Species

Family Common Name

Species IUCN Red List Status

Olive Ridley turtle

Lepidochelys olivacea

Vulnerable

Loggerhead turtle

Caretta caretta Endangered

Green turtle Chelonia mydas Endangered Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys

imbricate Critically endangered

Kemp’s Ridley turtle

Lepidocehlys kempii Critically endangered

Cheloniidae

Flatback turtle Natator depressus Data deficient Dermochelyidae Leatherback

turtle Dermochelys coriacea

Critically endangered

Note: Critically endangered (CR) – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild Endangered (EN) – High risk of extinction in the wild Vulnerable (VU) – High risk of endangerment in the wild Data deficient (DD) – Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (2011) Sabah, one of 13 states in Malaysia, is located in East Malaysia on the northern portion of Borneo Island. The district of Semporna lies at the extreme southeast corner of Sabah. The district waters contain parts of the globally significant Semporna PCA of the SSME, known for its extremely high coral and fish richness; productivity of its marine habitats; intact ecosystem of Sipadan Island Park; and frequently used migratory pathway of many marine species including marine turtles. With an area of approximately 7,680 km2, the Semporna PCA is home to Malaysia’s largest concentration of coral reefs, which is a natural capital of reef fisheries and a lucrative dive tourism industry. This report attempts to comprehensively document the status of marine turtles in northeast Semporna PCA. The results will be used as a baseline for monitoring as well as conservation planning and management of marine turtles in the area.

Figure 1: Semporna Priority Conservation Area

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2. Literature Review Of the seven existing species in the world, the four species that occur in Malaysian waters and beaches are the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) (Table 2). Table 2: Marine turtle species in Malaysia Common

name Leatherback

Turtle Green Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

Olive Ridley Turtle

Species Dermochelys coriacea

Chelonia mydas

Eretmochelys imbricata

Lepidochelys olivacea

Local name (Malay)

Penyu Belimbing

Penyu Agar / Penyu Hijau

Penyu Karah / Penyu Sisik

Penyu Lipas

Shell length (cm)

150-180 90-110 70-90 50-70

Weight (kg) 300-600 110-180 40-90 30-60 Colour Black with

white or grey patches

Olive-brown to green or black

Combination of dark brown, yellow and brown

Olive brown

Food Mostly jellyfish

Mostly seagrass and seaweeds; occasionally jellyfish

Mostly sponges

Mostly crustaceans, molluscs, jellyfish, fish and seagrass

Range Oceanic. Nest in the tropics but moves to temperate waters to feed

Coasts and islands in the tropics

Tropical oceans near coral reefs

Coastal tropics

Source: SEATRU, UMT (2010) In Malaysia, the Leatherback turtles nest on the mainland beaches of Terengganu, especially from Rantau Abang to Chendor in Pahang. Terengganu was one of the major Leatherback rookeries in the world (Chan, 2006). However, the nesting population has declined dramatically and is now considered functionally extinct (WWF-Malaysia, 2009). Green turtles are more widely distributed, with the largest Southeast Asian nesting populations in the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area shared by Malaysia (Selingan, Gulisan, and Bakungan Kechil islands) and the Philippines, and Sarawak Turtle Islands (Satang Besar, Talang-Talang Besar and Talang-Talang Kecil islands). Other Green turtle nesting beaches can be found mainly in Redang and Perhentian islands, Kemaman and Kerteh (Terengganu), Chendor

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and Cherating (Pahang), Pantai Remis (Perak), and Sipadan Island Park (Sabah) (Basintal, 2001; Chan, 2006). The Hawksbill turtle has only two remaining important nesting populations in Malaysia; in Sabah’s Turtle Islands Park (primarily Gulisan Island) and in the state of Melaka in Peninsular Malaysia. Others include Terengganu and Johor (Basintal, 2001; Chan, 2006). The nesting status of the Olive Ridley turtle is fragmentary with isolated nestings reported in Sarawak Turtle Islands, Penang, Terengganu, Johor and Kelantan (Basintal, 2001; Chan, 2006). In Sabah, four species of marine turtles occur within its waters and beaches. Of the four, the Green and Hawksbill are nesters while the Olive Ridley and Leatherback are only known to forage in Sabah waters (Pilcher et al., 2008). According to Palaniappan (2001), Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles are known to nest sporadically along the beaches and islands on both the coasts of Sabah. The important nesting sites for Green and Hawksbill turtles are the Sabah Turtle Islands Park and Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (Tegaipil, Lankayan and Bilean islands) (Basintal, 2001; Basintal 2002). In April 1997, a historic bilateral agreement between the governments of Malaysia and the Philippines created the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area (TIHPA) -- making it the world’s first and only trans-frontier protected area for marine turtles, where management responsibility of the area is shared by the two countries (Basintal, 2001). TIHPA and Berau Islands in Indonesia form the largest aggregation of nesting Green turtles in Southeast Asian region, and as one of nine remaining major nesting habitats for Green turtles in the world (Limpus, 1994a). Sipadan Island Park was also identified as an important turtle rookery for Green turtles in Sabah (Mortimer, 1991; Irwan, 2008). According to Palaniappan (2001), Sipadan Island Park supports a large density of nesting Green turtles, second only to the Sabah Turtle Islands Park. Occasional nesting occurred in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, specifically at Mantabuan Island (Wood, 2001). Other reported nesting islands or beaches for Green turtles include Kg. Hujung on the eastern part of Jambongan Island (Suliansa et al., 1997 as cited by Basintal, 2001), Koyan-Koyan, and Nunu-Nunukan (de Silva, 1969 as cited in Basintal, 2001). Gulisan Island of Sabah Turtle Islands Park provides nesting habitat to the largest Hawksbill turtle population in the entire Southeast Asian region (Limpus, 1994a, Chan et al., 1999). Other sites include Lankayan Island (SIMCA), Jambongan Island, and Tanjung Puru-Puru close to Kaniogan Island (Suliansa et al., 1997 as cited in Basintal, 2001). Some Hawksbill nesting also occurred in Sipadan Island Park in lesser numbers (UKM, 1990 as cited in WWF-Malaysia,

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1993; Basintal, 2001), and on Mataking Island in Semporna (Ju Rafiah Abdul Shukur, pers. comm., as cited in Basintal, 2001). While Olive Ridley turtles are primarily known to only forage within Sabah waters (Pilcher et al. 2008), there were records of infrequent Olive Ridley nesting in the state. Six nests were documented in Sabah Turtle Islands Park from 1986 to 2001, especially on Selingan and Gulisan islands (Basintal, 2001). A single nesting was recorded on Manukan Island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in 2000 (Irwan & Fazrullah, 2003). No other Olive Ridley nesting has been reported since 2003. Mortimer (1991) says Olive Ridleys may nest but very rarely in Sipadan Island Park. Olive Ridley and Kemp’s Ridley have an unusual nesting behaviour where they aggregate their nesting so that all turtles come ashore simultaneously over a period of two to three nights. This mass nesting is termed arribada in Spanish and occurs in French Guyana-Surinam in the Atlantic, Costa Rica, Mexico and Calcutta (Limpus, 1994a). Terengganu has the highest Olive Ridley nesting in the ASEAN region, and is a nightly occurrence (Limpus, 1994a). On 13 July 1977, two Leatherbacks were seen near Boheydulang Island within the area now known as Tun Sakaran Marine Park (de Silva, 1978). It was not determined whether the Leatherbacks nested in Sabah; and de Silva (1978) believed that their occurrence in Sabah “…were either strays or in the process of migrating towards nesting beaches in Philippine or Indonesian waters or were swimming towards a hitherto unknown nesting beach in Sabah”. However, there have been several recent media accounts of scattered Leatherback turtle nesting along the northwest coast of Sabah (Nicolas Pilcher, pers. comm. as cited in Hamann et al., 2006). A Leatherback carcass was found on 28 March 1982 on Sulug Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (de Silva, 1982a). The status of marine turtles in Semporna is largely unknown. There is a lack of information on marine turtle ecology particularly their populations and interactions with humans in the area. Most studies focused on Sipadan Island although turtles can be found throughout the Semporna PCA. Scattered information on marine turtles in Semporna has been documented by Sabah Parks and Sabah Wildlife Department (Basintal & Lakim, 1994; Basintal, 2001; Basintal, 2002) de Silva (1978; 1982a; 1982b as cited in Basintal, 2001), Mortimer (1991), Palaniappan (2001), Palaniappan et al. (1999; 2002; 2004), Wood (1981; 2001), and WWF-Malaysia (1993; 1994) (Table 3). Table 3: Studies conducted on marine turtles of Semporna

Aspects Notes Authors Species Leatherback turtle

(Dermochelys coriacea) Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Basintal & Lakim (1994), Basintal (2001), Basintal (2002), de Silva (1978; 1982a), Irwan (2008), Mortimer (1991), Palaniappan (2001), Wood (1981; 2001), WWF-Malaysia (1993; 1994)

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Nesting islands or beaches

Sipadan Island Park Mantabuan Island (Tun Sakaran Marine Park) Mataking Island Mabul Island Lumangas Island Sebangkat Island (Tun Sakaran Marine Park) Bum-Bum Island Omadal Island Kg. Halo Kg. Tangal Kg. Kabimbangan Kg. Sungai Gajah

Basintal & Lakim (1994), Basintal (2001), Basintal (2002), Mortimer (1991), Palaniappan (2001), Palaniappan et al. (1999; 2002; 2004), Wood (1981), WWF-Malaysia (1993; 1994) Wood (2001) Basintal (2001; 2002) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001) Palaniappan (2001)

Nesting season

Peak season for Green turtle is July to December, while for Hawksbill turtle is from January to June (Sipadan Island Park)

Mortimer (1991)

Number of nestings

389-1367 nests (for Green turtles, 1989-2009) (Sipadan Island Park)

Basintal (2001), TV3 (2010)

Number of eggs collected

29,357-80,796 eggs (for Green turtles, 1994-2001) (Sipadan Island Park)

Basintal (2001)

Number of hatchlings produced

9,778-59,223 hatchlings (for Green turtles, 1994-2001) (Sipadan Island Park)

Basintal (2001)

Feeding grounds

Sipadan Island Park Boheydulang and Mantabuan Islands (Tun Sakaran Marine Park)

Juanita Joseph, pers. comm.; Lelian et al. (2008); Palaniappan, P., pers. comm.; TV3 (2010) Juanita Joseph, pers. comm.

Local tag recoveries (Marine turtles tagged at Sabah Turtle Islands

Mabul Island (one recovery), Sipadan Island Park (one recovery), Maiga Island (one recovery) and Semporna (two recoveries)

Chan & Liew (1996 as cited in Irwan, 2009)

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Park) Threats In Sipadan Island Park, the

threats include poaching of eggs from nests for sale by local community of Denawan island, seawater intrusion to turtle nests, resort development (disturbance attributed to the presence of people walking on beach at night, erosion of nesting beach, pollution, removal of vegetation, noise from generators and compressors, and artificial lighting), nest superimposition due to high nesting density, unrestricted human utilization of the offshore habitat (both fishermen and recreational divers), incidental capture, and weather (e.g. Tropical Storm Hilda) In Tun Sakaran Marine Park, possible threat of hunting of adults for consumption. In Denawan Island, turtles are reared in boxes until they are about 2 feet long.

Basintal (2001), Mortimer (1991), Palaniappan et al. (1999; 2002; 2004), Wood (1981), WWF-Malaysia (1993; 1994)

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3. Study Objectives and Geographic Scope 3.1 Study objectives Between November 2009 and April 2010, an assessment was carried out by WWF-Malaysia Semporna PCA team in corporation with island communities and resort operators. The objectives were:

1. To conduct a baseline survey of marine turtles in northeast Semporna PCA to gather the following:

a. Species, distribution, and abundance of marine turtles particularly the approximate location of beaches for nesting and coastal waters for feeding;

b. Threats to the populations from natural and human impacts. 2. To put forward tangible recommendations for managing and protecting

marine turtles in northeast Semporna PCA. 3.2 Geographic scope WWF-Malaysia chose to survey the six islands in northeast Semporna PCA based on reports that turtles nested on them. Those islands are Mataking, Pom-Pom, Timba-Timba, Boheyan, Kulapuan and Pandanan Islands (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Islands in the northeast of Semporna PCA

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4. Materials and Methods The assessment methodology used was based on Eckert et al. (1999) and was adapted to suit the surveyed area. Three methods were used to qualitatively determine the species, distribution, abundance, season and threat to marine turtles:

1. Semi-structured interviews with island communities, enforcement agency officers and resort operators,

2. Walking beach survey, and 3. Analysis of nesting data obtained from island community and resort

operators managing turtle hatcheries. 4.1 Semi-structured interviews with island communities, enforcement agency officers and resort operators Upon entering a village, the head of village was approached, who then gathered the community members (15 to 20 members). The group responded to a series of questions on their observations of marine turtles, such as the nesting species, distribution, occurrence and seasonality of mating, egg-laying, and threats. Answers for each question were obtained through compiled responses. The approach for enforcement agencies (PGA and Army personnel) was similar to the island communities, where the head of base camp (Sergeant or Major) was approached, who in turn gathered his personnel (3 to 15 persons). For resort operator staff, prior communication was made through e-mail or phone call to the relevant staff member followed by a visit to meet them on the islands. The staff included resort managers, marine biologists, dive masters and patrollers. Four WWF-Malaysia staff were the survey team that conducted the interviews. 4.2 Walking beach survey The presence of crawl, nesting pit or egg shell on the beach provides the most definitive indicator of nesting areas. Species identification was made whenever possible and nests were characterised as fresh or old. Predominant threats, if discernible (e.g., evidence of predation of eggs or beach erosion) were noted. Also, physical habitat features such as dominant vegetation type were recorded. For every nest found, a GPS coordinate was taken for map production. The survey team conducted the walking beach survey with assistance from community members or resort staff.

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4.3 Analysis of nesting data obtained from island community and resort operators managing turtle hatcheries The two resort operators and a local family involved in the turtle conservation programme were Reef Dive Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. on Mataking Island; Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. on Pom-Pom Island; and Datu Pengiran Ahmad bin Datu Ali Alam and his family on Pandanan Island. They built turtle hatcheries to overcome perceived and identified threats to turtle eggs; namely, nesting beach erosion, natural predators (monitor lizards, ghost crab and ants) and poaching of eggs for food or sale. The hatcheries enabled easy and efficient monitoring and protection of the collected turtle eggs. The equipment used during the assessment include:

1. GPS 2. Camera with underwater housing 3. Clipboard 4. Pencil 5. Data sheet 6. Manual by Eckert et al. (1999)

13

5. Results 5.1 Semi-structured interviews with island communities, enforcement agency officers and resort operators 5.1.1 Species found in the vicinity of the island (including nesting, foraging, swimming and surfacing for air) Green and Hawksbill turtles were reported to forage, swim or surface in the vicinity of all six islands. Nesting was recorded on all islands with the exception of Boheyan Island that does not have Hawksbill nests (Table 4). Table 4: Nesting species occurrence on the islands.

Island name Green turtle Hawksbill turtle Kulapuan Yes Yes Boheyan Yes No Pandanan Yes Yes Timba Timba* Yes Yes Mataking Yes Yes Pom Pom Yes Yes On Timba Timba Island, there may be an unexpected species nesting on the island. The turtle tracks were different from Green and Hawksbill turtle tracks. Island villagers have specific names for the turtles occurring in their area. The Green turtle is called Penyu or Bokko, while the Hawksbill turtle is called Tuhungan. In Kulapuan Island, Green turtle is called Penyu Bulan or Bokko Bulai, while the Hawksbill turtle is also known as Tuhungan by the community. Both Green and Hawksbill turtles are called Payukan in Suluk (Table5). Table 5: Vernacular names of marine turtles

Languages Species Bajau Suluk

Green Bokko/Penyu/Penyu Bulan/Bokko Bulai Payukan Hawksbill Tuhungan Payukan Olive Ridley Unknown Unknown Leatherback Unknown Unknown 5.1.2 Frequency of sighting Green turtles were reported to forage, swim and surface for air more frequently than Hawksbill turtles. Green turtles were observed by interviewees to nest more frequently than Hawksbill turtles as evidenced by the presence of tracks on the beach and sightings of female Green turtles laying eggs. Datu Pengiran Ahmad of Pandanan Island mentioned that female turtles typically come up to the beach between 7pm and 9pm.

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5.1.3 Location of nesting beach and nests The beaches of all six islands were confirmed to be nesting sites for turtles. The communities of Kulapuan and Boheyan reported that turtles do not nest near their village area, while Army personnel have sighted a Green turtle nesting in the vicinity of their base camp on Boheyan Island. The Reef Dive Resort staff on Mataking have observed turtles nesting near chalets at the resort but only rarely. The interviews also revealed that most turtle nests found were underneath coastal trees. The Reef Dive Resort staff reported occasionally finding nests far into the vegetation area. 5.1.4 Nesting season It was determined that the nesting season begins in March and extends through September, known as Musim Selatan by the island communities. Datu Pengiran Ahmad reported that April and May are peak nesting months for Pandanan Island. The resort operators on Timba-Timba, Pom-Pom and Mataking reported that the nesting season starts from May and extends through September. 5.1.5 Abundance of nests, eggs and hatchlings Kulapuan Island used to have upwards of 10 to 15 nests per year in the past, compared to the present situation of only one to two nests per year. The village head, Ibnu bin Amil noted that some of the nests contained more than 100 eggs. Boheyan Island had less than 10 nests per year in year 2000. Now villagers find one or two nests per year only. Timba-Timba, Mataking and Pom-Pom used to have more than 15 nests per island. Datu Pengiran Ahmad of Pandanan remembered finding up to 40 nests per day in the 70s and 80s. Data on nests, eggs and hatchlings of Pandanan, Pom-Pom and Mataking are presented in Section 5.3.

15

5.1.6 Threats Ten threats to turtles were identified in the interviews (Table 6). Table 6: Threats to turtles on the islands

Threats Kulapuan Boheyan Pandanan Timba-Timba

Mataking Pom-Pom

Fish bombing

Yes Yes Yes

Discarded plastic bags

Yes Yes Yes

Egg poaching for food or sale

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Hunting of adults for food

Yes

Domestic predators

Yes Yes

Natural predators

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Erosion of nesting beach

Yes Yes Yes

Incidental capture

Yes Yes

Human-wildlife conflict (seaweed farms)

Yes

Boat propeller accidents

Yes Yes Yes

5.1.7 Aesthetic and traditional beliefs No aesthetic and traditional beliefs on marine turtles were found on the islands except for Boheyan, where youths were advised by their grandparents that marine turtles were previously humans. Thus, it was considered a taboo to hunt or kill turtles.

16

17

5.2 Walking beach survey The walking beach survey for each island was conducted after the interviews. The survey team was accompanied by the village heads of Kulapuan, Boheyan and Pandanan, while resort staff assisted with surveys conducted on Timba-Timba, Mataking and Pom-Pom Islands. Surveys were conducted in early 2010 (Table 7). Table 7: Dates of beach surveys

Islands Date Kulapuan 8 January 2010 Boheyan 4 May 2010 Pandanan 29 January 2010 Timba-Timba 4 May 2010 Mataking 2 February 2010 Pom-Pom 24 January 2010 5.2.1 Beach profile The nesting beaches are found to be relatively narrow (3 to 5 meters across) and steep. The sand is loose and not compacted. All six islands are mainly sandy and have low coral cover, while the land area is not hilly or elevated. Mataking Kecil and Mataking Besar are connected by a sandbar during low tide. Green and Hawksbill turtle nests can be found along the beaches of all six islands. Nests in Kulapuan were found along the long stretch of beach north of the island (Figure 3). A nest was found along the long stretch of beach south of Boheyan (Figure 4). Most nests on Pandanan were found to concentrate at the northern end, while a few nestings were found at southern end of the island as well (Figure 5). On Timba-Timba Island, nests were found at the centre of the island (Figure 6). Nests on Mataking Kecil were found concentrated in the northern end, while nests in Mataking Besar were found to be at the southern end (Figure 7). Nests on Pom-Pom were found to be largely in the southern end of the island (Figure 8).

Figure 3: Kulapuan Island

18

Figure 4: Boheyan Island

19

Figure 5: Pandanan Island

20

Figure 6: Timba-Timba Island

21

Figure 7: Mataking Island

22

Figure 8: Pom-Pom Island

23

5.2.2. Indicators of nesting On Kulapuan, village head Ibnu bin Amil guided the survey team to find two Hawksbill and one Green turtle nests along the eastern beach of the island. The village head mentioned that the nests were laid in 2008. The number of eggs and hatchlings were unknown. No crawl or egg shell was observed. On Boheyan, village head Abdul Muhi Marabahan and the survey team recorded one Green turtle nest along the southern beach of the island. The village head mentioned the nest was laid in 2008. The number of eggs and hatchlings were unknown. No crawl or egg shell was observed. On Pandanan, Datu Pengiran Ahmad pointed out 18 Green turtle and two Hawksbill turtle nests. He mentioned that the nests were laid from 2008 to 2010 along the beaches of the island. There were several egg shells observed as well. Three staff members of Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours. Sdn. Bhd. assisted with the survey on Timba-Timba, where four old nests and a few egg shells were observed. A Green turtle crawl was also observed near the staff quarters. Marine biologist Amelia Ng and three patrollers of the Reef Dive Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. assisted the survey team in identifying 16 Green turtle and four Hawksbill turtle nests on Mataking. Amelia mentioned that the nests were laid from 2008 to 2010 around the beaches of the island. There were egg shells and two Green turtle crawls observed as well. Dive instructor Sally Usher and two patrollers of the Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. helped the survey team to find seven Green turtle and one Hawksbill turtle nests on Pom-Pom. Sally noted that the nests were laid from 2009 to 2010 around the beaches of the island. Several egg shells were observed as well. Data on nests, eggs and hatchlings of Pandanan, Pom-Pom and Mataking are presented in Section 5.3. 5.2.3 Vegetation Coastal vegetation cover varied from island to island. Most turtle nests were found underneath the coastal vegetation. The turtles seem to have a preference for nesting underneath Pandanus sp. (Screw pine) (Figure 9).

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© WWF-Malaysia / Nina Ho

Figure 9: Screw pine (Pandanus sp.) on Kulapuan Island 5.2.4 Observable threats The six observable threats to turtles are shown below (Table 8). Table 8: Threats to turtles on the islands

Threats Kulapuan Boheyan Pandanan Timba-Timba

Mataking Pom-Pom

Discarded plastic bag

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Domestic predators

Yes Yes

Natural predators

Yes Yes

Erosion of nesting beach

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cutting of coastal vegetation

Yes

Coastal development

Yes

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5.3 Analysis of nesting data obtained from island community and resort operators managing turtle hatcheries The patrollers on Pom-Pom and Pandanan conduct their rounds on nesting beaches daily, while the patrollers on Mataking do not patrol everyday due to weather, tide and lack of capacity. Therefore, data from Mataking was an estimate of the actual total number of nests, eggs and hatchlings. There is a possibility that the numbers of nesting on that island could be higher than recorded. All eggs found by the patrollers were transported to hatcheries to prevent poaching, avoid inundation attributed to beach erosion and reduce mortality by natural predators (mainly monitor lizards). 5.3.1 Mataking Island The Reef Dive Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. began its turtle conservation programme in 2004. In 2008 the programme became better implemented with the hiring of a marine biologist. Nesting data has been collected since 2006. The resort has two hatcheries measuring 6m2 and 32m2, built in 2004 and 2008 respectively. Currently, only the second hatchery is being used. The turtle monitoring team is comprised of five patrollers headed by the marine biologist. This team monitors the island with proper equipment (Table 9). Once a nest is found, the eggs are placed in the hatchery as soon as possible and each nest is labelled. The patrollers do not patrol the nesting beaches nightly. Occasionally, they find nests when patrolling early in the morning. Table 9: Patrolling equipment used on Mataking Patrolling equipment Purpose

Plastic pail To transport turtle eggs safely from nest to hatchery Torchlight To search for crawls in the dark and for safety purpose Disposable latex glove To avoid contamination while handling turtle eggs Measuring tape To measure female turtle CCL (cm) and CCW (cm) Data sheet To record data on nesting Tag and tag applicator To tag turtles Patrolling vest For staff identification From 2006 to 2010, both Green and Hawksbill turtle nested on Mataking. The highest number of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests was recorded in 2010, with 58 and 16 nests respectively. The lowest number of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests was recorded in 2006 with 6 and 5 nests respectively (Figure 10).

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Number of nests of Green and Hawksbill turtles on Mataking island for 2006 to 2010

010203040506070

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Year

Num

ber o

f nes

ts Green Hawksbill

Figure 10: Number of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests found on

Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010 The highest number of Green turtle eggs and hatchlings was recorded in 2010, with 5,323 eggs and 4,108 hatchlings respectively. The lowest number of Green turtle eggs and hatchlings was recorded in 2006, 421 eggs and 265 hatchlings. The highest number of Hawksbill turtle eggs and hatchlings was recorded in 2010, with 2,062 eggs and 1,131 hatchlings. The lowest number of Hawksbill turtle eggs and hatchlings was recorded in 2006, with 249 eggs and 153 hatchlings (Figure 11).

Number of eggs and hatchlings of Green and Hawksbill turtles on Mataking island for 2006 to 2010

0100020003000400050006000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Year

Num

ber o

f egg

s /

hatc

hlin

gs

Number of eggs

Number of hatchlingsGreen

Hawksbill

Figure 11: Number of eggs and hatchlings of Green and Hawksbill turtles on

Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010 The highest hatching success rate of Green turtle nests was recorded in 2010, with 77%, while the lowest was recorded in 2007 with 53%. The highest hatching success rate of Hawksbill turtle nests was recorded in 2009 with 64%, while the lowest was in 2007 with 20% (Figure 12).

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Hatching success rate of Green and Hawksbill turtles nests on Mataking island for 2006 to 2010

0

20

40

60

80

100

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Year

Perc

enta

ge (%

)

GreenHawksbill

Figure 12: Hatching success rate of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests on

Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010 The month of July of 2007 to 2010 have the highest number of Green turtle nests. Very few nests were recorded from December to February of those years (Figure 13).

Monthly nesting distribution of Green turtle on Mataking island for 2006 to 2010

02468

101214161820

Jan Feb Mac Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Month

Num

ber o

f nes

ts

20062007200820092010

Figure 13: Monthly nesting distribution of Green turtle on

Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010

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From February to June for the year 2008 to 2010 the number of Hawksbill turtle nests was consistently high. In December 2008 there were only five nests. The lowest number of nests of Hawksbill turtles was from August to January (Figure 14).

Monthly nesting distribution of Hawksbill turtle on Mataking island for 2006 to 2010

01

234

56

Jan Feb Mac Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Month

Num

ber o

f nes

ts

20062007200820092010

Figure 14: Monthly nesting distribution of Hawksbill turtle on

Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010 Table 10: Summary of nesting data for Green turtle on Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total number of nests

6 19 15 52 58

Total number of eggs 421 1743 1321 4771 5323 Range number of eggs per nest

47-117 31-233 63-119 48-177 30-140

Total number of hatchlings

265 165 789 3190 4108

Range number of hatchlings per nest

11-90 0-91 12-91 3-118 1-125

Average hatching success rate (%)

62.9 20.4 59.7 66.8 77.2

Range hatching success rate per nest (%)

46.0-24.0 0.0-52.1 16.3-91.7 4.8-97.5 0.8-98.7

Range incubation days

46-63 53-61 48-59 40-62 47-68

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Table 11: Summary of nesting data for Hawksbill turtle on Mataking Island from 2006 to 2010

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total number of nests

5 6 11 13 16

Total number of eggs 249 809 1207 1454 2062 Range number of eggs per nest

4-114 95-200 83-163 58-191 86-175

Total number of hatchlings

153 165 592 926 1131

Range number of hatchlings per nest

4-98 0-73 3-82 8-137 3-156

Average hatching success rate (%)

61.5 20.4 49.1 63.7 54.9

Range hatching success rate per nest (%)

5.7-100.0 0.0-52.1 3.1-75.0 6.6-90.9 2.5-94.4

Range incubation days

24-68 53-61 54-64 55-69 53-66

5.3.2 Pom-Pom Island Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd. started its turtle conservation programme in 2008. The resort has two hatcheries, measuring 6 m2 and 20m2, built in 2008 and 2010 respectively. Currently, only the larger hatchery is being used. Five patrollers headed by a dive instructor monitor the nesting beaches. Once a nest is found, the eggs are placed in the hatchery as soon as possible and the nest is labelled. The patrollers on Pom-Pom conduct their rounds nightly. This team has found nests when they patrol early in the morning.

30

About 13 nests have been recorded each for Green and Hawksbill turtles (Figure 15).

Number of nests of Green and Hawksbill turtles on Pom-Pom island for 2010

02468

101214

Green Haw ksbill

Species

Num

ber o

f nes

ts

Figure 15: Number of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests on Pom-Pom Island for 2010

The number of Green and Hawksbill turtle eggs was 1,230 and 1,792 eggs respectively. The number of Green and Hawksbill turtle hatchlings was 827 and 1,359 hatchlings respectively (Figure 16).

Number of eggs and hatchlings of Green and Hawksbill turtles on Pom-Pom island for 2010

0

500

1000

1500

2000

Green Hawksbill

Species

Num

ber o

f egg

s /

hatc

hlin

gs

Number of eggs

Number of hatchlings

Figure 16: Number of eggs and hatchlings of Green and Hawksbill turtles on

Pom-Pom Island for 2010

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The hatching success rate of Green turtle and Hawksbill nests was 67% and 76% respectively (Figure 17).

Hatching success rate of Green and Hawksbill turtles nests on Pom-Pom island for 2010

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Green Hawksbill

Species

Hat

chin

g su

cces

s ra

te (%

)

Figure 17: Hatching success rate of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests on Pom-Pom Island for 2010 July and August have the highest number for Green turtle nests recorded with three nests respectively, while June had the highest number of Hawksbill turtle nests recorded with four nests. November through March has the lowest number of Green turtle nests and October through December for Hawksbill turtle nests (Figure 18).

Monthly nesting distribution of Green and Hawksbill turtles nests on Pom-Pom island for 2010

0

1

2

3

4

5

Jan Feb Mac Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Month

Num

ber o

f nes

ts

GreenHawksbill

Figure 18: Monthly nesting distribution of Green and Hawksbill turtles’ nests on

Pom-Pom Island for 2010

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Table 12: Summary of nesting data for Green and Hawksbill turtles on Pom-Pom Island in 2010

Green Hawksbill Total number of nests 13 13 Total number of eggs 1230 1792 Range number of eggs per nest

40-148 83-186

Total number of hatchlings 827 1359 Range number of hatchlings per nest

0-106 50-155

Average hatching success rate (%)

67.2 75.8

Range hatching success rate per nest (%)

0.0-95.5 32.6-95.0

Range incubation days 47-60 29-62 5.3.3 Pandanan Island The local community on Pandanan Island were involved in turtle conservation since November 2009 with the provision of awareness, consultation and hatchery training by WWF-Malaysia to increase their understanding on the importance of turtle conservation. The training led Datu Pengiran Ahmad’s family to build a turtle hatchery in March 2010. His daughters patrol the nesting beaches early morning everyday. Once a nest is found, the eggs are placed in a hatchery as soon as possible and the nest is labelled. The hatchery was damaged by strong waves in February 2011. Nine Green and eight Hawksbill turtle nests were recorded as well as a single Olive Ridley turtle nest (Figure 19).

Number of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles nests on Pandanan island for 2010

02468

10

Green Haw ksbill Olive Ridley

Species

Num

ber o

f nes

ts

Figure 19: Number of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle nests on Pandanan Island for 2010

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The number of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle eggs was 956, 1104 and 137 respectively. The number of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley hatchlings was 783, 970 and 131 respectively (Figure 20).

Number of eggs and hatchlings of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles on Pandanan island for 2010

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Green Hawksbill Olive Ridley

Species

Num

ber o

f egg

s /

hatc

hlin

gs

Number of eggsNumber of hatchlings

Figure 20: Number of eggs and hatchlings of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle on

Pandanan Island for 2010 The hatching success rate of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle nests was 82%, 88% and 96% respectively (Figure 21).

Hatching success rate of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles nests on Pandanan island for 2010

0

20

40

60

80

100

Green Hawksbill Olive Ridley

Species

Hatc

hing

suc

cess

rate

(%)

Figure 21: Hatching success rate of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle nests on

Pandanan Island for 2010

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May has the highest number for Green turtle nests with five nests found. April has the highest number of Hawksbill turtle nests recorded with four nests. September to January was when the lowest number of Green turtle nests was recorded; June to January for Hawksbill turtle nests (Figure 22).

Monthly nesting distribution of Green and Hawksbill turtles nests on Pandanan island for 2010

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Jan Feb Mac Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Month

Num

ber o

f nes

ts

GreenHawksbill

Figure 22: Monthly nesting distribution of Green and Hawksbill turtle nests on

Pandanan Island for 2010 Table 13: Summary of nesting data for Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles on Pandanan Island for 2010 Green Hawksbill Olive Ridley Total number of nests 9 8 1 Total number of eggs 956 1104 137 Range number of eggs per nest

73-142 96-180 -

Total number of hatchlings 783 970 131 Range number of hatchlings per nest

45-130 78-167 -

Average hatching success rate (%)

81.9 87.8 95.6

Range hatching success rate per nest (%)

61.6-100.0 78.4-95.4 -

Range incubation days 46-61 44-74 74

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6. Discussion

Green and Hawksbill turtles can be found nesting, foraging and swimming in northeast Semporna PCA. The fact that Green and Hawksbill turtles nest in this area is not surprising as both species have been previously reported in Semporna in past studies (Basintal & Lakim, 1994; Basintal, 2001; Basintal, 2002; Irwan, 2008; Mortimer, 1991; Palaniappan, 2001; Wood, 1981, 2001; WWF-Malaysia, 1993; 1994). The single Olive Ridley turtle nest recorded on Pandanan Island was a surprising discovery as this species was noted to forage within Sabah waters (Pilcher et al., 2008) with a few rare nesting in Sipadan Island Park (Mortimer, 1991). The nest of the unidentified species recorded on the Timba-Timba Island, could well be an Olive Ridley turtle. Despite the lack of Leatherback sightings in the surveyed area, they have been observed swimming in the waters between Mabul Island and Sipadan Island Park by local divers on rare occasions (Alex Ho; Mohd. Nara bin Hj. Ahmad, pers. comms.). Hawksbill turtle nesting in northeast Semporna PCA, specifically on Mataking Island, was first reported by Jum Rafiah Abd. Shukur (pers. comm., 2001 as cited in Basintal, 2001; 2002). This assessment confirms the presence of Hawksbill turtle nesting on the island. In addition, the five other islands surveyed are new nesting records for Green and Hawksbill in Semporna. The peak nesting season for Green and Hawksbill turtle in Sipadan Island Park reported by Mortimer (1991) was similar to the peak nesting season for northeast Semporna PCA (from May and extends through September). Turtles nesting on Sipadan Island and those nesting on the northeast Semporna PCA may be from the same population, but further studies in population genetics would be needed for verification. Major concentrations of Green turtles are composed of thousands of nesters a year (Limpus, 1994a). Green turtles seem to be the predominant nester in northeast Semporna PCA with less than a hundred nests per year. A similar trend was also observed at Sipadan Island Park that supports a large density of nesting Green turtles, second only to Sabah Turtle Islands Park (Palaniappan, 2001). An area with 200 Hawksbill nests a year would be considered as a major nesting concentration (Limpus, 1994a). While northeast Semporna PCA is not a major Hawksbill nesting area with only 37 nests recorded for 2010, its critically endangered status under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Appendix I of CITES requires that any area with the occurrence of this species must be protected to help arrest its declining population.

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Semporna PCA is home to Malaysia’s largest concentration of coral reefs, which is a natural capital for reef fisheries and lucrative dive tourism. Marine turtles are closely associated with coral reefs and found throughout the PCA, making them an attraction for divers and snorkelers. Poaching of eggs was identified by the Mataking and Pom-Pom resort operators and Datu Pengiran of Pandanan as one of the major threats to turtles in the area. They alleged that the eggs were poached by fishermen and enforcement agency personnel for food. The erosion of nesting beaches on all six islands was observed to be an increasing threat as suitable nesting sites become scarce. Turtle hatcheries have been built to address perceived and identified threats such as natural predators (monitor lizards, ghost crab and ants). The hatcheries enabled easy and efficient monitoring and protection of turtle nests and eggs. Hatching success rate refers to the numbers of hatchlings that hatch out of their shell which equals to the number of empty egg shells in a nest (Miller, 1999). Eggs should be handled carefully. All handling (excavating, measuring, weighing, transporting, reburial) of eggs should be completed within two hours of oviposition. Otherwise the eggs should be allowed to remain in situ for at least 25 days to reduce the impact of movement-induced mortality (Limpus, 1994b; Limpus et al., 1979 as cited in Miller, 1999; Parmenter, 1980 as cited in Miller, 1999). The lowest hatching rates for Green turtles in Mataking in 2007 may be attributed to improper handlings of the eggs. More training in monitoring and egg handling should be implemented. An 80% success hatching rate of eggs incubation is recommended for all states in Malaysia (Department of Fisheries Malaysia, 2008). A minimum of 70% of eggs in a clutch have to be protected to keep turtle populations functional (Limpus, 1994a). Improper handling of eggs is not the only factor affecting hatching rates. Infertile eggs were found to be one of the causes of Terengganu’s declining Leatherback turtle population (Kamarrudin, 1994). Leh (1991 as cited in Leh, 1994) also noted that infertile Green turtle eggs in Sarawak Turtle Islands in addition to improper handling were another reason for low hatching success rates. In Baguan Island Marine Turtle Sanctuary hatchery, Yaptinchay & de Veyra (1994) found that hatching success was not affected by shading and spacing of nests. There was an increase in hatching success when clutch size was altered from natural (average 100) to a range of 60-80 eggs regardless of shading. Hatching success decreased when eggs were mixed from different clutches, compared to an unmixed clutch regardless of shading or smaller size of egg chamber. Hatching success and causes of mortality can be determined when the nest is excavated and analysed after the natural emergence of hatchlings. Mortimer (1990) recommended several ways to improve management of hatcheries in Sarawak by achieving hatching success of green turtle eggs of 80 to 90%. It was recommended that eggs be re-buried in the hatchery within three hours after they

37

were laid by the turtle. The depths of at least 30 natural nests should be measured so that the depth of egg clutches buried in the hatcheries closely approximates natural conditions. Hatchlings should be released to the sea immediately (or at least within one hour) after they emerge from the nest. Hatchlings usually emerge at night and should be released in groups at random points along the length of the beach rather than at the same place. Fowler (1979) found that reducing the number of eggs per clutch helped increase the percentage of hatchling survival of Green turtles in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Continuous protection of habitats of an island is necessary to prevent erosion to turtle nesting beaches. Coral reefs and seagrass beds act as natural wave breakers that slow down waves. Therefore, habitat protection is critical. Apart from erosion and poaching of eggs, discarded plastic bags are another concern as turtles have been known to mistake them as jellyfishes and eat them, leading to death due to clogged or perforated digestive tract. Coastal development such as the construction of seawalls reduces the number of suitable habitats for female turtles to nest and juvenile and adult turtles to feed. Proposals for the construction of infrastructure along the beaches should undergo vigorous environmental impact assessment that brings forward strong recommendations (e.g., setbacks) and includes a thorough understanding of the dynamics of natural shifting of sand of an island over time. Collaborative turtle conservation throughout the Semporna PCA is the way forward for local communities, resort operators, enforcement agencies, government agencies, public institutions, local authorities and NGOs. The following are proposed: Habitat protection: Management of both terrestrial (nesting) and marine (foraging, developmental, and migratory) habitats is critical to the survival of marine turtles. Two broad types of marine habitats important to marine turtles are seagrass beds and coral reefs. A management option is to identify and protect critical habitats that are then established as sanctuaries, reserves or parks. Informal local protection such as those enforced by resort resorts and island communities are also viable and should be acknowledged. Nest protection (eggs and hatchlings): Various management options are available for reducing threats to turtle eggs and hatchlings from human and non-human predation, erosion and coastal development. The lowest risk and least expensive technique is to protect the eggs in situ. However, in situ protection is not practical if eggs predation by people or animals is so intense that mortality reaches 100%. Relocation of eggs to an enclosed hatchery is recommended. Poaching of eggs for food or sale and nesting beach erosion are the two main threats in the surveyed area, hence either in situ or relocation to a hatchery is recommended based upon current personnel capacity.

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Education and awareness: Many people are unaware of the threats to turtles or the ways in which their actions may be affecting the long-term survival of turtles. Education and awareness about the value of coastal resources and the survival of endangered species, at all levels from local communities to school children, can therefore play a critical role in marine turtle conservation. Long-term monitoring programme: The establishment of an integrated long-term monitoring programme that involves various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, dive operators and the local communities, is recommended. Patrolling nesting beaches and systematic collection of data on a daily basis is also necessary to assess the status of marine turtle in the area. Collaborative and responsible eco-tourism: The area has a mix of resort-occupied and community-occupied islands. Tourism plays a major source of income for resorts, while local communities depend heavily on natural resources of the islands. The mechanism suggested for the local communities ties income generation from tourism activities to turtle conservation. As marine resource users of Semporna, local communities’ involvement in turtle conservation makes sense and can be a step towards enhancing their current livelihood, whilst conserving turtles in the area. Marine turtles take decades to mature, so it is still too early to determine if this programme will successfully increase the population of turtles in the Semporna PCA. Marine turtle transcends national boundaries and are shared resources among countries in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion and beyond. Thus, these countries have a common responsibility and ownership of a particular turtle population.

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8. Appendices Appendix 1: Two marine turtle species found in northeast Semporna PCA

(a)

© WWF-Malaysia / Eva P. Francisco

(b)

© WWF-Malaysia / Eva P. Francisco

Figure 23: (a) Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and (b) Hawksbill turtle (Erectmochelys imbricata)

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Appendix 2: Marine turtle nesting islands or beaches found in northeast Semporna PCA

(a) (b)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis © WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

(d)

© WWF-Malaysia / Nina Ho

(c)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

(e) (f)

© WWF-Malaysia / Amelia Ng © WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

Figure 24: (a) Mataking Kecil Island (Mataking Island), (b) Pandanan Island, (c) Boheyan Island, (d) Kulapuan Island, (e) Timba-Timba Island, and (e) Pom-Pom Island

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Appendix 3: Turtle hatcheries built by resort operators and island community in northeast Semporna PCA

© The Reef Dive Resort & Tours

(b) (a)

© The Reef Dive Resort & Tours

(c) (d)

© Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort © Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort

(e)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

Figure 25: (a) and (b) are hatcheries on Mataking Island built in 2004 and 2008 respectively, (c) and (d) are hatcheries on Pom-Pom Island built in 2008 and 2010 respectively,

and (e) is a hatchery on Pandanan Island built in 2010.

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Appendix 4: Identified threats to marine turtles in northeast Semporna PCA

(b) (b)

© Sipadan Pom-Pom Island Resort

(a)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

© WWF-Malaysia / Fredyanna

(d) (c)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

© The Reef Dive Resort & Tours

(f) (e)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

Figure 26: (a) Erosion of nesting beaches at Pom-Pom Island, (b) Hawksbill turtle incidental capture (arrow indicates entangled hook), (c) boat propeller accidents (arrow indicates loss of right front flipper of Green turtle), (d) Domestic predators (e.g. dog), (e) plastic pollution at

nesting beaches of Boheyan Island, and (f) natural predators (monitor lizard at Mataking Island)

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Appendix 5: Indicators of marine turtle nestings presence in northeast Semporna PCA

(b)

© The Reef Dive Resort & Tours

(a)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

(e)

(e)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

(c)

© WWF-Malaysia / Gavin Jolis

(d)

© WWF-Malaysia / Amelia Ng

Figure 27: (a) Green turtle eggs at Mataking Island, (b) Green turtle hatchling at Mataking Island,

(c) old nest at Pandanan Island, (d) Egg shells at Mataking Island, and (e) Green turtle tracks at Timba-Timba Island

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WWF-Malaysia (World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia), the national conservation trust, currently runs more than 75 projects covering a diverse range of environmental protection work aimed at conserving our natural resources to secure our good quality of life and our children’s bright future. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by: 1 Conserving the world’s biological diversity 2 Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable 3 Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful production WWF-Malaysia 49, Jalan SS23/15, Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603-78033772 Fax: +603-78035157 E-mail: contactus@wwf.org.my wwf.org.my