Sea turtle information update for CNMI

On April 30, 2009, an article appeared in the Saipan Tribune entitled: “Poaching remains a big threat to turtle decline.” While this technically may hold some merit, a significant amount of information was omitted or misrepresented that I hope to clarify.

Green sea turtles in CNMI are a threatened species (meaning threatened with extinction in the near future) and are protected by federal (Endangered Species Act), local (CNMI Public Law 2-51), and international (CITES) laws.

The CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife has a sea turtle monitoring program. During a site visit, it was concluded that direct take through illegal poaching of turtles and nests, nesting habitat degradation, and lack of education and public awareness continue to be primary threats to turtles in Saipan. Furthermore, the program could benefit tremendously by integrating local stakeholders into one overarching program that includes cooperation with multiple agencies and the public.

Stakeholder support and involvement will give the program longevity, with increased ability to address localized threats from illegal harvest and new opportunities to inform the public. There are many examples of integrated programs that we can draw upon to help CNMI develop a strong and effective monitoring and conservation program.

Anecdotal information from locals suggests that turtle nesting on Saipan was once a common occurrence. Today, unfortunately, nesting is rare, and those turtles that do return to nest are under intense poaching pressure. Most notably, in 2009 two turtles came ashore to nest. One has already been poached and wildlife officials are concerned about the survival of the second. It is worth noting that the foundation of recovery is based on the size of the nesting population.

Enforcement officers are responding to illegal poaching incidents. Cases have been handed to federal authorities, including the Superior Court. The taking of any sea turtle, of any size class, is against the law. Fines and penalties can range from $5,000 to $25,000 and imprisonment. The prosecution of pending cases may help deter future incidents.

In-water surveys undertaken between 1998 and 2001 (published in 2004) estimated that 1,000 to 2,000 green turtles may occur in the waters of CNMI. These foraging turtles are likely recruits from nesting populations originating from international rookeries. This means that the population of juveniles and subadults in the waters will not contribute to the CNMI nesting population. Therefore, while there may appear to be an abundance of turtles in the water, this is not reflective of the future abundance of nesting turtles within the Marianas because foraging turtles will migrate to other areas to nest.

Conversely, nesting females likely migrate to CNMI from international foraging habitats. Nesting females not only perpetuate the species, but the loss of an adult is a significant impact to the population, given that it may have taken 35 or more years to mature. Not an easy achievement in our modern world of degraded habitats, pollution, fisheries, disease, and poaching. The number one conservation strategy is to protect beaches and females to ensure that turtles can nest, that nests can hatch, and that hatchlings enter the water.

An integrated education and awareness program would greatly benefit conservation efforts. The long-term survival (and ultimate recovery) of the population resides in the hands and actions of local residents to preserve sea turtles for future generations.

The development of an effective program with protocol appropriate for the goals and capacity of the local situation is important. DFW is obligated as a government agency to conserve and manage turtles within the CNMI. However, they can not achieve this alone, but must work collaboratively with partners to identify and implement appropriate monitoring, conservation and management strategies.
[B] Irene Kinan Kelly[/B] [I]NMFS PIRO, Sea Turtle Recovery Coordinator[/I]