A TOTAL of 15,822 turtle hatchlings from 24,357 eggs collected have been released under the Penang Turtle Conservation Project since 2021.
The figures, presented during a monitoring programme at the Pantai Kerachut Turtle Conservation and Information Centre near Teluk Bahang, reflected the state’s continuing efforts to protect marine biodiversity since 1995.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang was not only known as a rapidly developing state and major tourism destination, but was also blessed with rich biodiversity and valuable marine ecosystems that must be preserved sustainably.
“Development and conservation cannot move separately. We must continue to progress and remain competitive while maintaining environmental balance so that natural heritage such as turtles are not lost to the tide of development,” he said.
Chow said 64 turtle landings were recorded last year, mainly at Pantai Kerachut, yielding 6,470 collected eggs and 5,168 successfully released hatchlings.
Landings were recorded at Teluk Bahang, Teluk Ketapang and Teluk Kampi involving olive ridley and green turtles.
He said 135 female turtles had been tagged under the monitoring programme.
“Of these, 44 turtles that hatched in Penang more than 20 years ago were recorded returning to the same beach to lay eggs, a strong sign that the long-term conservation programme was working,” said Chow.
Once the hatchlings reach a suitable size at the sanctuary, they are released in the evening after sea eagles have returned to their nests, giving the young turtles a better chance of reaching open water.
“Turtles are a natural gem that carry high ecological, tourism and educational value for Penang, especially in strengthening the state’s eco-tourism agenda.”
Chow said conservation efforts faced challenges such as marine pollution, floating debris, human disturbance, prohibited fishing gear, climate change and uncontrolled coastal development.
To address these, he said the state would continue strengthening conservation programmes through education, public awareness, research and collaboration with non-governmental organisations and universities.
The state has provided four general service assistants stationed full-time at the centre to support its operations.
Chow, accompanied by his wife Tan Lean Kee and state Fisheries Department director Azimah Jumathi, later watched the release of 55 green turtle hatchlings.
