Two New Turtle Nests Identified In Port Dickson, Malaysia

Bernama 12 May 08;

SEREMBAN, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Fisheries Department has identified Tanjung Gemok and Batu Empat beaches in Port Dickson, as new destinations for marine turtles, especially the Green and the Hawksbill, to lay their eggs.

Thus, its Director Mohd Sufian Sulaiman said, the two beaches should be protected and preserved to accommodate the sensitive reptile.

"Usually the turtles would lay their eggs between February and June, so we are still considering whether to gazette the area as turtle sanctuary. We will discuss the matter with the state government," he told Bernama, here Monday.

He was commenting on a news report on the discovery of Green Turtle eggs at the Tanjung Gemok beach recently.

He said the turtles' presence would definitely boost tourist attractions in the state's famous beach.

Mohd Sufian also reiterated that the department had asked the Kuala Terengganu Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) to study the species and groups of the turtles found in Port Dickson.

-- BERNAMA