Turtle Conservation Project
The Society in 2006 included a this new project amongst its existing list of projects, in recognition of the plight this vulnerable creature is facing, and also because of the many breeding or nesting grounds being discovered in the Mamanucas. MES with other organisations in Fiji are cooperating to gather information to finalise a Turtle Conservation Plan for Fiji. This is lead by the Fiji Department of Fisheries, WWF, and the Institute of Marine Resources of USP, which is working with a number of NGOs, communities and the tourist industry to assist in collecting data.
Breeding/Nesting Sites
One of the first outputs of the above collaboration is to map the turtle nesting beaches of Fiji and estimate the number of nesters. Islands in the Mamanucas confirmed by sighting to be breeding or nesting sites for turtles include, Namotu, Tavarua, Elevuka or Treasure, Navini and South Sea Island.
Adopt a Turtle Program
In collaboration with the Society, Treasure Island Resort aims to run a Adopt-a-Turtle program in support of the head-starting programme for sea turtles that is already in place on the island. Apart from the aim of attracting visitors, the programme aims to assist in bringing back the turtle population in Fiji.
Tagging and Release
Every year in the month January, Treasure Island houseguests take part in a tag and release program for turtles that are part of the resorts head-start programme. The Society in collaboration with the Fiji Department of Fisheries and the Institute of Marine Resources at the University of the South Pacific here in Fiji are working together to see that best practises for such a programme are developed.
Further Information
To learn more about turtles please check our Marine Turtle page
Photo Gallery
