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.

weblink

• Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
• If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.