From Kuta Beach Let’s Save The Sea Turtle

Kuta beach is very well known as a main tourist destination in Bali, nowadays also known as one of the turtle nest sites of Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Since 2002, Satgas Pantai Kuta (Kuta Security Beach Guard), ProFauna Indonesia and BKSDA Bali (Foresty Dept.) have been working together to protect turtles that lay eggs on Kuta Beach. Hatchling release activity has become special attraction for tourist who comes to Kuta beach, which has increased image of Bali regarding turtle conservation issue.

The ocean ambassador

Swimming the oceans when dinosaurus once roamed the earth, sea turtle are flagships for conserving the ecosystem they inhabit. Despite their important role in the underwater web of life, as well as their intrinsic and economic value of communities, these creatures are fast disappearing from our ocean.

Threats to sea turtle survival

Food, souvenirs and tortoiseshell (hawksbill turtle shell) harvest in Indonesia currently pose a considerable threat to the region’s turtle populations. Improvements in fishing technology and the growth of large scale industries in which sea turtle products are sold for profit have meant that sea turtles, particularly greens and haksbills, have become locally scarce.

Rubbish also a threat. Turtle become tangled in old nets and fishing line strangling and drowning them. If turtles mistakenly eat plastic bags, their intestines become blocked and they starved to death.

Sea turtle protection

All sea turtle species in Indonesian waters are protected by Indonesian regulation based on Act No. 5 year 1990 about Conservation on natural Resources and Ecosystem. Catching, harming, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting and trading in protected wildlife is prohibited, whether dead or alive. Person convicted of such crime shall be sentenced to 5 years maximum imprisonment and fine up maximum Rp 100 million (US$11,000).

What you can do

The pressure of escalating human population, economic development and consumerism has placed sea turtles in the line of plan and animals threatened by such global pressure. The extinction of this extraordinary animals would be loss of some the oldest and most unusual of this planet’s inhabitants. Turtles and human can co-exist. You can help personally by:

• Refusing to buy sea turtles product (tortoiseshell jewelry, souvenirs, meat and eggs)
• Not throwing plastic bags, fishing line and other rubbish into the sea or onto the beach.
• Following the turtle watching guidelines whenever you encounter a nesting sea turtle or hatchlings.
• Supporting conservation agencies that are trying to reduce turtle harvests to ecologically sustainable level, and by assisting turtle research and conservation by reporting dead or injured turtles to turtle hotline.

Hint for successful turtle watching

Sea turtle are easily disturbed by light or movement, especially when leaving the water, crossing the beach and digging the nest chambers. To have successful turtle-watching experience visitors should follow these simple rules:

• Keep the use of light to absolute minimum; carry only a small, low powered torch.
• Do not approach closely or shine lights on turtles leaving the sea or moving up to the beach.
• Avoid excess noise and sudden movement.
• Be patient while the turtle performs her nesting ritual. The large crowd, the more likely the turtle will be disturbed.
• Wait until the turtle is laying before shinning lights or touching her. Keep this to a minimum.