Sabah wildlife dept to discuss turtle-tagging programmes with researchers

KOTA KINABALU: A roundtable discussion will be held soon with scientists and researchers involved in turtle-tagging programmes in Sabah, says state Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga.

Augustine said all those involved especially those researching turtles in Mabul off Semporna district must be present.

"We want to know about the whole research programme among other matters," he said.

This came about after professional divers in Mabul and some researchers voiced their concerns over the methods used by a group of scientists and volunteers to tag turtles.

They said the lift bag method used could be harmful to turtles and might cause compression depression on the creatures.

They also claimed that turtles were found dead with ropes tied to their bodies.

However, they could not determine whether these turtles were used in the research programmes.

Augustine said although some scientists said the lift bag method was all right, there were others who objected to the idea.

"That's why we need to talk to all those involved and get feedbacks on turtle tagging methods," he said.