critical habitats of sea turtles in fiji

1WWF South Pacific Programme2 Fiji Department of Fisheries3 Department of Environment4 National Trust of Fiji

Critical Habitats of Sea Turtles in Fiji

Merewalesi Laveti1, Penina

Solomona1, Aisake Batibasaga2,

Neema Nand3, Kasaqa Tora4

Fiji Science Conference 2011

12-Sep-11 / 1Presentation to Company name

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Abstract

Fiji waters is known to be a critical habitat for foraging sea turtles population in the Pacific region.

Recent surveys by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme on satellite

tagging revealed the migration of sea turtles to Fiji waters for feeding. Areas of importance for sea

turtle conservation in Fiji were identified through community based sea turtle monitoring and

research, traditional knowledge and consultation with partners who have worked in these areas.

The collated information were consolidated and mapped out revealing these critical habitats for

protection. The great sea reef is one of the critical foraging sites identified given the results of the

satellite telemetry in Fiji. It also highlighted that Fiji’s sea turtle population are residential. More

satellite telemetry works needed to be conducted to allow for a stronger justification of the

migrating behavior of sea turtles in Fiji. All the seven satellite tagged turtles in Fiji did not show

any migration out of Fiji. The migration patterns of the seven turtle species including

loggerhead, green and hawksbill were mainly movements within inshore waters of more than one

customary fishing grounds. It also showed the ecological connectivity of these marine protected

areas and the greater need to enhance community based conservation and engagement in sea

turtle monitoring to allow for an informed decision in the protection of sea turtles.

14 -16 Sep 2011Presentation to Fiji Science Forum

Topic: Critical habitats for sea turtle in FijiFiji Science Forum 2011

Introduction

Five out of the seven species of sea turtles found in the Pacific are recorded in Fiji

waters. These are Green turtles, Chelonia mydas, Hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys

imbricata, Loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, Leatherback turtles, Dermochelys

coriacea

Sea turtles are known to be migratory and can travel thousands of miles for feeding

or nesting in other region

Sea turtles are listed as endangered and critically endangered under the IUCN red

listing

Sea turtles return to natal beach for nesting

Sea turtles are protected under the Turtle Moratorium and Endangered and Species

Protected Act

14 -16 Sep 2011

Objectives

Presentation title can go here

Secondary text can run underneath

This study aims to:

1. Identify through the integration of scientific research and traditional knowledge the

critical habitats of sea turtles in Fiji

2. Illustrate critical habitats via mapping

2. Recommend the identified priority areas for conservation focus and management in Fiji

Presentation to Company name 12-Sep-11 / 4

Methodology

Fiji Science Forum 2011

I. Consultation with key informants

II. Resource mapping

III. Nesting beach surveys

IV. Satellite telemetry research

V. Arch GIS mapping


3. Consultations with key informants & GIS mapping


3.1. Local communities/resource managers

3.2. Stakeholders/Partners

3.3 Resource mapping – mapping of traditional knowledge on

critical habitats of sea turtles and its estimated

nesting/feeding patterns


1. Nesting beach surveys

Fiji Science Conference

I. Patrolling nesting beaches

II. Recording of number of nests, number of hatchlings, empty

eggshells

III. Beach profile – measurements of beach width, length,

elevation, GPS location

14-16 Sep 2011Presentation to Company name

2. Tag and Release (Satellite telemetry)


I. Radio transmitters that are attached to carapace (shells)

II. Nesting female are targeted due to migratory behavior

III. Signals are transmitted to satellites within certain time

interval. Information generated are: location, dive times

and other parameters

12-Sep-11 / 8

RESULTS

Fiji Science Forum


Results

Fiji Science Forum


Discussion/Conclusion

I. All nesting and breeding sites are important for conservation management of sea turtles in Fiji

II. Maps/recent results showed that the Great Sea Reef is an highly important feeding/breeding

ground for sea turtles (Loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles)

III. Sea turtles migration pattern showed residential behavior

IV. Sea turtles migration pattern are more likely to be inshore rather offshore.

V. Sea turtles migration patterns showed ecological connectivity between customary fishing

grounds or marine protected areas.

VI. Future studies on genetics are needed to unveil specific research questions on population


Acknowledgement

Fiji Science Forum

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, National

Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Trust of Fiji, Fiji

Department of Fisheries, Fiji locally managed marine area

(FLMMA), University of the South Pacific, local communities along

the Bua and Macuata Provinces


Thank you

www.panda.org

Presentation to Company name 12-Sep-11 / 16

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Critical Habitats of Sea turtles in Fiji

Photo: © NASA

critical habitats of sea turtles in fiji

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