Experts Call for Special Committee to Boost Sea Turtle Conservation in Terengganu
KUALA TERENGGANU: The government has been urged to establish a special committee to strengthen sea turtle conservation and ensure the survival of these endangered animals.
Expert Recommendations
Dr Mohd Uzair Rusli, head of the External Research Laboratory at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s Institute of Oceanography and Environment, suggested that the committee include experts from government departments, universities, NGOs, the corporate sector, and local fishing communities. He also recommended dedicated funding to support these conservation efforts.
Investigating Turtle Mortality
Dr Mohd Uzair highlighted the rising number of sea turtle deaths as a warning sign that more serious investigations are needed. “We cannot rely solely on brief external examinations. Scientific autopsies are essential to accurately determine causes of death,” he said. While plastic ingestion and drowning in trawling nets have been reported, ocean modelling could help pinpoint precise causes and locations.
Recent Turtle Deaths
Two green sea turtles were found dead at Pantai Batu Burok and Pantai Seberang Takir in Kuala Nerus, bringing this month’s total deaths in Terengganu to five. The increasing mortality rates underline the urgency for coordinated conservation action.
Ecological Importance of Sea Turtles
Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance. Dr Mohd Uzair explained that the diet of hawksbill turtles, which includes jellyfish, helps regulate plankton consumption and supports fish populations. A decline in turtle numbers can disrupt this balance, affecting fish stocks and overall ocean health.
Conservation as National Priority
Dr Mohd Uzair emphasized that sea turtle conservation should be treated with the same importance as sustainable fisheries management. “The growing number of turtle deaths suggests ongoing threats in the ocean that extend beyond our current understanding,” he said, stressing the need for proactive measures to protect these vital marine species.
