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RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
Research on the nesting adults at Turtle Islands Park in Sabah has
generated volumes of data on nesting ecology which may be used to monitor trends in
nesting patterns. However, this data has proven hard to extract due to lack of
computerisation. Much attention recently has been focused on the turtle eggs and
artificial incubation schemes, but the efficacy of these artificial rearing programs is
not well documented. Additionally, little data is available regarding adult
morphometrics,
and energy budgets from adults through to eggs and hatchlings. With the development of a
computerized data handling system, modeling will enable population dynamics and re-nesting
prediction. The primary objectives of research programmes will be to:
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To develop comprehensive information on adult population
status, eggs and hatchlings.
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To create education strategies for use in conservation
efforts.
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To monitor changes in the marine environment.
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To develop alternative forms of livelihood for the islands
inhabitants.
Incidental
Captures of Turtles
The level of fishing intensity in the waters within the TIHPA and the
rate of incidental capture will provide an indication of the extent of fishery-related
mortality. It is hoped that an observer programme may be initiated upon the fishing
vessels with the cooperation of the fishing industry itself. Results of this work may be
used in policy making processes.The level of fishing intensity in the waters within the TIHPA and the
rate of incidental capture will provide an indication of the extent of fishery-related
mortality. It is hoped that an observer programme may be initiated upon the fishing
vessels with the cooperation of the fishing industry itself. Results of this work may be
used in policy making processes.
Coral Reef
Research
As a major component of the marine park, coral reefs provide, in direct
and indirect manners, much of the protein in the diets of the island inhabitants. The
protection of these reefs from destructive practices such as dynamite and cyanide fishing
will ensure sustainable use of the reef resources, and an alternative to turtle egg
consumption.
Water Quality and
Hydrography
The hydrological conditions within the Park waters will be affected by
island runoff and pollution dumping, adversely affecting the marine ecosystems and the
people’s livelihood. Monitoring water quality parameters will ensure early warnings
for these changes, upon which the Park management may act accordingly.
Tourism Impact
and Carrying Capacity
At present the islands on the Malaysian side benefit from a tourist
industry that often threatens to overload the island’s carrying capacity. The
opportunity to develop further tourist destinations, even on the Philippine islands, would
provide additional income and alleviate some of the pressures on the natural resources.
However, this development must be based upon sound studies on the carrying capacity of the
islands, and any negative impact of such economic development.
Genetic Mapping
Using mitochondrial DNA analysis of the nesting females, a genetic map
will be created for the TIHPA. The map will be useful in the identification of
populations, or Ecologically Significant Units (ECUs), in the region.
Disease
Monitoring
Monitoring of nesting females and resident males for outbreaks of
diseases, especially Green Turtle Fibropapillomas (GTFP) to reflect general marine
environmental conditions within the TIHPA.Monitoring of nesting females and resident males for outbreaks of
diseases, especially Green Turtle Fibropapillomas (GTFP) to reflect general marine
environmental conditions within the TIHPA.
Temperature
profiles of developing nests and Sex Determination
In order to mirror the natural conditions normally encountered by
developing eggs, management strategies at artificial hatchery operations must take into
consideration the nest temperatures throughout the development period (approx. 60 days).
The sex of developing hatchlings is temperature dependent, thus the temperatures of nests
will affect the ratio of males to females in any given nest. Comparisons of temperature
profiles within natural and translocated nests will be made to determine the degree of
approximation to natural environmental characteristics. A matrix of thermocouples
connected to a distribution panel will be strategically placed in and around natural and
translocated nests and temperatures will be monitored daily throughout the incubation
period. The results of these experiments will enable the Park to accurately manage the
hatchery by providing shade and sunlight in pre-determined proportions. In order to mirror the natural conditions normally encountered by
developing eggs, management strategies at artificial hatchery operations must take into
consideration the nest temperatures throughout the development period (approx. 60 days).
The sex of developing hatchlings is temperature dependent, thus the temperatures of nests
will affect the ratio of males to females in any given nest. Comparisons of temperature
profiles within natural and translocated nests will be made to determine the degree of
approximation to natural environmental characteristics. A matrix of thermocouples
connected to a distribution panel will be strategically placed in and around natural and
translocated nests and temperatures will be monitored daily throughout the incubation
period. The results of these experiments will enable the Park to accurately manage the
hatchery by providing shade and sunlight in pre-determined proportions.
Bacterial counts
at natural and hatchery sites
Although the staff at the hatcheries follow strict rotation programs
with regard to hatchery usage, it is hypothesized that due to the decomposition of a small
number of eggs per nest during incubation, repeated over and over with the continuous use
of the hatchery site, the bacterial counts in the sand are significantly higher than those
found under natural circumstances. These bacteria may have a debilitating effect on the
developing hatchlings, and should be further investigated. Total bacterial counts and
semi-qualitative analysis shall be used as the basis for comparisons. In light of recent
findings at the hatcheries, whereby hatchlings’ umbilical opening is normally not
sealed at the point of emergence, this may result in higher rates of infection.Although the staff at the hatcheries follow strict rotation programs
with regard to hatchery usage, it is hypothesized that due to the decomposition of a small
number of eggs per nest during incubation, repeated over and over with the continuous use
of the hatchery site, the bacterial counts in the sand are significantly higher than those
found under natural circumstances. These bacteria may have a debilitating effect on the
developing hatchlings, and should be further investigated. Total bacterial counts and
semi-qualitative analysis shall be used as the basis for comparisons. In light of recent
findings at the hatcheries, whereby hatchlings’ umbilical opening is normally not
sealed at the point of emergence, this may result in higher rates of infection.
General state of
health and insect infestations of hatchlings
Through constant monitoring of in-situ and hatchery nests, it has been
noted that several factors that may have potential detrimental effects on the hatchlings
exist. One example of the above may be infestations of red ants on hatchlings emerging
from their nests, prior to being collected and released by hatchery staff. This is an
unfortunate natural phenomenon where the ants are attracted to the relatively easy prey.
The hatchlings are not able to escape the thousands of ants when impounded in mash screens
upon breaching the sand surface. In addition, factors such as timings on reaching the sea
after hatching, and swimming and running speeds will be monitored as these represent
amounts of energy consumption which could otherwise be used for swimming during the first
three day "swimming frenzy".Through constant monitoring of in-situ and hatchery nests, it has been
noted that several factors that may have potential detrimental effects on the hatchlings
exist. One example of the above may be infestations of red ants on hatchlings emerging
from their nests, prior to being collected and released by hatchery staff. This is an
unfortunate natural phenomenon where the ants are attracted to the relatively easy prey.
The hatchlings are not able to escape the thousands of ants when impounded in mash screens
upon breaching the sand surface. In addition, factors such as timings on reaching the sea
after hatching, and swimming and running speeds will be monitored as these represent
amounts of energy consumption which could otherwise be used for swimming during the first
three day "swimming frenzy".
Development of
nest-marking techniques to avoid illegal poaching
Currently the turtles in many islands face pressure from illegal
poachers who alight on the island for the sole purpose of removing the eggs from nests at
times when rangers are otherwise occupied. Obviously under these circumstances the clear
marking of the nests for monitoring would only serve as a beacon to would-be egg thieves.
However, by utilising multiple discreet markers together with accurate positioning and
magnetometry, nests may be marked in the wild with little chance of being found other than
by tedious "spiking" activities. Rangers on the island will be trained to use
and recognize the discreet markers to ensure accurate monitoring of natural nests.Currently the turtles in many islands face pressure from illegal
poachers who alight on the island for the sole purpose of removing the eggs from nests at
times when rangers are otherwise occupied. Obviously under these circumstances the clear
marking of the nests for monitoring would only serve as a beacon to would-be egg thieves.
However, by utilising multiple discreet markers together with accurate positioning and
magnetometry, nests may be marked in the wild with little chance of being found other than
by tedious "spiking" activities. Rangers on the island will be trained to use
and recognize the discreet markers to ensure accurate monitoring of natural nests.
Collection of
morphometric and nesting data
In order to standardise morphometric and ecological data collections
throughout the SE Asian region, rangers on all islands will be retrained and updated,
where necessary, on the latest monitoring, measuring, tagging and weighing methodology. A
regular "calibration" exercise will be carried out periodically to ensure
Standardisation, consistency and accuracy of measurements. Measurements shall be taken in
keeping with other programmes worldwide, in order to maximize data utility.In order to standardise morphometric and ecological data collections
throughout the SE Asian region, rangers on all islands will be retrained and updated,
where necessary, on the latest monitoring, measuring, tagging and weighing methodology. A
regular "calibration" exercise will be carried out periodically to ensure
Standardisation, consistency and accuracy of measurements. Measurements shall be taken in
keeping with other programmes worldwide, in order to maximize data utility.
Development of a
computerised database for storage and retrieval of nesting information
A database will be developed into which existing data will be
incorporated to allow the retrieval of data on nesting frequency and intervals,
internesting periods, egg and hatchling production, and beach utilization. Multi-lingual
access and query screens will be developed so that the input of data is consistent
throughout the park. This data eventually will be available through the World Wide Web for
international access. Initially however, it is expected that initially, basic data
retrieval will be possible by simple modem connections.A database will be developed into which existing data will be
incorporated to allow the retrieval of data on nesting frequency and intervals,
internesting periods, egg and hatchling production, and beach utilization. Multi-lingual
access and query screens will be developed so that the input of data is consistent
throughout the park. This data eventually will be available through the World Wide Web for
international access. Initially however, it is expected that initially, basic data
retrieval will be possible by simple modem connections.
Development
of international cooperation and standardisation of research techniques
In view of the exemplary bilateral efforts adopted by both nations
toward turtle conservation, the project aims to implement a standardised protocol for data
collection, nest monitoring, and adult, egg and hatchling handling. The consistency of the
above will result in more usable data with respect to long-term nesting strategies and
beach utilization.
Turtle
Biology and Ecology
General turtle biology, including necroscopies and tissue analysis, DNA
sampling, nesting and reproduction processes shall be monitored. The data shall be used to
refine management strategies and long-term goals of the Park.
Captive Breeding
Although captive breeding has been attempted by many groups with varying
degrees of success, the project shall investigate the use of captive breeding as a form of
head-starting hatchlings to improve survival rates.Although captive breeding has been attempted by many groups with varying
degrees of success, the project shall investigate the use of captive breeding as a form of
head-starting hatchlings to improve survival rates.
Hatchling
Dispersal
Experiments to investigate hatchling dispersal patterns and energy
utilization budgets shall be conducted to determine probable migration routes. This
information shall serve to determine whether commercial fishing operations may be culling
hatchlings as they depart the islands on their long voyages.Experiments to investigate hatchling dispersal patterns and energy
utilization budgets shall be conducted to determine probable migration routes. This
information shall serve to determine whether commercial fishing operations may be culling
hatchlings as they depart the islands on their long voyages.
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