Malaysia: More Turtle Conservation Awareness Programmes In Future

Bernama 17 Apr 11;

LUMUT, April 17 (Bernama) -- The Fisheries Department will create more awareness programmes on the conservation of turtles and other endangered marine species to prevent their extinction.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said the programmes will emphasise more on school students.

"These programmes will include exhibitions, seminars on the management of endangered marine species, burying turtle eggs in hatching areas as well as turtle rescue demonstrations," he told Bernama after launching the Endangered Marine Species and Turtle Conservation Awareness Programme at Segari Turtle Management Centre, near here Sunday.

He said this will ensure that marine species such as turtles are protected as studies found that landings have dropped drastically due to turtles being hunted for their eggs, meat, shell and as pets.

Meanwhile, Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Ahmad Sabki Mahmood said data from 2001 to 2010 showed that 31,851 turtles landed on our shores and almost 2.5mil eggs were collected for hatching.

He said 1.9mil turtles were hatched at six turtle management centres which were then released into their natural habitat.

"The Fisheries Department has set up seven Turtle Management and Conservation Centres nationwide in a bid to prevent their extinction.

"The effort which began in the 1960s includes Segari Turtle Management Centre in 1990," he said at the same event here today.

Besides Segari, there are also centres in Pengkalan Balak (Melaka), Cherating (Pahang), Kerachut (Penang), Rantau Abang and Ma'Daerah (Terengganu).

--BERNAMA