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2nd ASEAN Symposium
and Workshop on
Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
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SESSION
2: Nesting and Foraging Populations
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ABSTRACTS
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Sea
Turtle Nesting in the Australian Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands,
Eastern Indian Ocean
Michael L. Guinea, Scott D.
Whiting1 & G. D. Pike2
The biology of nesting sea turtles
on the three islands of Ashmore Reef were investigated from 1994 to 1998.
The locations were visited between monsoons (September and October) each
year. Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) dominated the nesting species
at that time with a small number of nesting Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys
imbricata) Successful nesting by Green turtles appeared hampered by
dry, loose sand in exposed areas. Individual turtles, on average made 6.5
sets of tracks for each successful nest. Hawksbill turtles were usually
successful in laying on their first nesting attempt. Preliminary evidence
suggested Green turtle nesting hinders the establishment of the strand
plant, Argusia argentea. Green turtles nest on Cartier Island which
is unvegetated. On Cartier Island, nesting turtles ashore during daylight
hours succumb to the high temperatures and hunting by humans. The islands,
reefs and surrounding waters at Ashmore Reef comprise areas set aside for
conservation but contain culturally significant sites and traditional fishing
areas. Being closer to Indonesia than it is to Australia, Ashmore and Cartier
Island Territory requires careful management to maintain its high conservation
value while allowing traditional use by artisanal fishers from Indonesia.
1 Faculty of Science,
Northern Territory University, Northern Territory, Australia.,
2 Parks Australia,
, Northern Territory, Australia. |
