KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 195 eggs were recorded from three leatherback turtle landings in Terengganu this month, says Datuk Adnan Hussain.
The Fisheries Department director-general said the landings were recorded by the Rantau Abang Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TCIC), with the eggs transferred to a controlled incubation site for protection.
The first nesting was recorded at Pasir Putih, Marang on Sept 1, involving 44 eggs, followed by 81 eggs at Rantau Abang on Sept 13 and 70 eggs at Kuala Abang yesterday, he said.
Adnan said it was crucial to record turtle landings and protect their eggs to improve hatching and survival rates.
The latest turtle landing, he said, occurred at 2am yesterday, with the nesting mother turtle measuring 215cm in carapace length and 115cm in width.
He added that all 70 eggs were transferred to the TCIC incubation site and reburied at a depth of 80 to 100cm to replicate natural nesting conditions.
“The incubation period is expected to last between 55 and 70 days, depending on sand temperature, with TCIC conducting periodic monitoring of the nest conditions,” he said, Bernama reported.
Adnan stressed that sustained conservation efforts, including scientific monitoring, nest management, enforcement and public awareness, were crucial to protecting the species.
This includes cooperation from local communities and fishermen, he added.
He advised the public not to disturb or touch sea turtles coming ashore but to immediately report sightings to the department for appropriate action.
The public was also reminded that sea turtles and their eggs are protected under relevant laws.
Under the Terengganu Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021), possessors, sellers, or disturbers of sea turtle eggs face fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM250,000, a jail term of up to one year, or both upon conviction.
