MARINE  CONSERVATION  NEWS

Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, 
 PO Box 1299, Victoria, Mahe ,Seychelles

The 2005-06 Turtle Nesting Season

The 2005-06 turtle nesting season was from 16 July 2005 to 15 July 2006, with most nesting activity occurring in October 2005 through to February 2006. A total of 14 beaches were monitored by MCSS, complimenting the work already being carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR). Turtle monitoring activity was funded by Banyan Tree Resort Seychelles, Anse Forbans Chalets, Thrifty Car Hire and other contributors to the Turtle Fund. 

 

September 2006  

Vol 4, No. 2
 

 

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Banyan Tree resort staff and guests ensure a female turtle returns undisturbed to the sea after nesting on Intendance beach. Photo Hassan Rasheed

The results from the 2005-06 season show an 2 fold increase in turtle emergences on some of the beaches being patrolled when compared to the 2004-05 season. A total of 380 turtle emergences and an estimated 242 nests containing egg clutches were recorded. Most emergences occurred during December. 

In the majority of cases, only tracks were recorded during beach patrols rather than an actual turtle encounter. When turtles were encountered, MCSS staff and turtle officers from Banyan Tree Resort, who had undergone training with Elke Talma (MCSS Research Officer) were able to tag them. A total of 34 turtles were tagged compared to 22 in 2004-05.

Two turtles tagged during the 2001-02 nesting season by staff on Aride Island were re-sighted on Mahe. Population estimates suggest that were between 35 to 56 Hawksbill turtles nesting along the South coast of Mahe during this season. 

 

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