South Pacific Projects – Marine Conservation, Fiji

South Pacific Projects recently attended a Marine Turtle Steering Committee meeting in Suva, the Capital of Fiji. The population of marine turtles in Fiji, and other Pacific Islands, has decreased dramatically since the growth in the human population has increased. Anecdotal evidence shows that marine turtle populations were devastated within two centuries of mans settlement of the Fiji Islands.  Though turtles were respected and admired in various locations in Fiji and viewed as spiritual and totem animals, they were still overfished and eaten by local Chiefs during traditional cultural ceremonies. Over the last century the decrease in marine turtle populations has been exacerbated by additional global threats, all caused by humans. This has resulted in the decimation of turtle populations globally. Hawksbill turtles in particular (listed by CITES as critically Endangered) have decreased to an estimated 150 – 200 nesting females in Fiji (2003) from original population figures estimated to be in the thousands prior to any human contact.

A National Moratorium prohibiting the killing, harming or molesting of any marine turtles including their meat, eggs or shell was first enforced in 2004 by the Fijian Government. It was recently extended for a further ten years by the Fijian Cabinet until 2019. Indigenous Fijians are still able to legally harvest marine turtles if they obtain prior approval from the Fisheries Department. In response to the ongoing threat to marine turtles in Fiji, in 2008 the Fijian Sea Turtle Steering Committee (FSTSC) was formed after a two year effort to coordinate and manage conservation efforts. The FSTSC compiled a recovery plan for marine turtles in Fiji with the ultimate objective to increase marine turtle populations so that they can then be sustainably harvested by indigenous Fijians. South Pacific Projects is represented on the Fijian Sea Turtle Steering Committee – Research Working Group by Research Director Tristan Simpson. The working group is comprised of members from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Mamanuca Environment Committee (MES), the Institute of Marine Resources (IMR), World Conservation Society (WCS), The Fisheries Department, the Fijian Locally Managed Marine Area Network (FLMMA) and the National Trust of Fiji (NTF). The research working group was formed towards the end of 2009 in response to the marine turtle moratorium extension. Several other working groups were also formed which cover other essential conservation efforts such as education and policy-making.

The FSTSC research working group met recently to solidify its mandate and plan for 2010. The mandate will be submitted to the Fisheries Department for their approval and endorsement. One goal outlined by the mandate in which South Pacific Projects will take a major part, is to establish a set of standardised monitoring methods for a nationwide approach to marine turtle conservation. South Pacific Projects has been requested to research, trial and initiate this standard set of marine turtle research methodologies by the research working group, which will then be presented at the next working group meeting. Currently marine turtle research in Fiji is mostly sporadic or circumstantial, and although marine turtles previously have been researched in Fiji there is a lack of consistent data collected to establish any trends. Without carrying out ongoing surveys of both nesting and foraging populations, it is much more difficult to establish plans for effective marine turtle conservation, management and research. The new standardised set of methods will counter the current inconsistent data collection trends. By working together on a nationwide approach with management and research institutes, the tourism industry, government bodies and community groups we aim to reverse the decline of marine turtle populations in Fijian waters. Although a greater collaboration is needed throughout the Pacific Islands to aid in the conservation of marine turtles, Fiji can lead the way and set an example to neighbouring Pacific Nations.

When you join South Pacific Projects as a volunteer, you will be actively engaged in marine turtle conservation. This will involve swimming along local reefs to count turtles and mark down identifying features to add to our database on the local Hawksbill and Green turtle foraging populations. Each individual turtle that you see is, quite literally, a miracle of survival. International turtle researchers now believe that less than one in ten thousand new hatchlings reaches sexual maturity. We are determined to help preserve this beautiful creature and we know that when you see turtles in the water whilst snorkelling or SCUBA diving with us, you will find it a remarkable and memorable experience.

Tristan Simpson – Research Director