MTN 76:20-21 "Marine Turtle Conservation Action" in India

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"MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION ACTION" IN INDIA

Marine Turtle Conservation Action (MTCA) is a voluntary initiative for developing conservation action for protecting marine turtle breeding areas along the western coast of India. MTCA, which was inaugurated on 5 June 1996 at Trivandrum, is expected to grow to a large programme with individuals and organizations joining as signatories. The initial activity will consist of assembling baseline information, which will be followed by the preparation of a draft Declaration on Turtle Conservation for circulation and signature. Field work will begin in January 1997, with an aim to identify conservation areas. The first priority will be a comprehensive survey of the Kerala coast (see "Priority Action" below).

The construction of sea walls and a variety of anthropogenic pressures have negatively affected sea turtle nesting on the west coast. Fishermen also catch turtles, which are offered for sale in major fish markets. Community based conservation action is urgently needed to counter these direct and indirect threats to remaining marine turtle stocks. It is hoped that the field work of the MTCA will identify important breeding grounds, especially those where conservation can still be accomplished. At these sites, nearby villages, fishermen, nature clubs and students will be involved to establish conservation activities. By promoting public awareness within communities, the MTCA hopes to capitalize on the resulting goodwill and knowledge to develop a community attitude which cares for sea turtles. MTCA aspires to become a theme-based conservation programme caring for the coastal ecoregion.

Carefully planned Turtle Walks will be arranged at appropriate sites, and sightings records will be maintained. Manipulative research will not be carried out on turtle nests. Youth brigades will be organised to maintain watches on in situ turtle nests to protect them. The success of nests will be recorded and shared with all participating villages, organizations, individuals and institutions.

Priority Action: Survey of marine turtles along the Kerala coast

There are five species of marine turtles found on the Indian coasts. Today most populations have collapsed as a result of over-exploitation and habitat degradation and destruction. At present there is a need to take strong steps for conserving these animals. An important part of conservation is research aimed at understanding the biology of the turtles so that intelligent management decisions can be made. We believe that the future of marine turtles in India must not be dependent upon people moving nests or raising turtles in captivity. Our goal is self-sustaining populations that do not rely on human intervention.

Our objectives are to (1) preserve and restore developmental, feeding and nesting habitats, (2) make nesting beaches acceptable to turtles by eliminating the impact of artificial lighting through technology, ordinances (law) and public education, (3) revise beach cleaning programs and control predators, (4) minimize solid waste and pollution of the marine environment, and (5) increase public awareness and participation in sea turtle conservation through public education.

The following actions are planned: (1) survey the 590 km coastline of Kerala, (2) map the distribution of nesting sites, (3) maintain sightings records and records of incidental catch, (4) conduct a questionnaire survey to collect data on the exploitation of turtles, (5) implement ongoing research and monitoring programs, and (6) increase public awareness and participation in sea turtle conservation through public education.

Marine Turtle Conservation Action, c/o Teacher & Environment Network, P. B. No. 815, Kowdiar, Trivandrum 695 003, INDIA.