Turtle Conservation Efforts Paying Off In Labuan With Rising Hatchling Numbers
By Jailani Hasan
LABUAN, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- A total of 4,615 sea turtle eggs have been incubated on the beaches and islands around Labuan from January to October this year, underscoring the island’s continued commitment to marine life conservation, Labuan Fisheries Department director Sufian Ahmad said.
He said the figure comprised 4,192 hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) eggs and 423 green turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs, with 3,316 hatchlings — 3,077 hawksbill and 239 green turtles — successfully released into the sea.
Compared to the same period in 2024, this year recorded a notable increase in both the number of eggs incubated and hatchlings released, Sufian said, with a total of 2,562 eggs incubated, producing about 1,423 hatchlings.
“This positive growth demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing conservation initiatives and the strong cooperation between the department and local island communities,” Sufian told Bernama today.
He said monitoring activities this year recorded 38 turtle landings on Labuan’s beaches and nearby islands, comprising 33 hawksbill turtles and five green turtles.
Despite the encouraging progress, Sufian said three dead green turtles were found in Labuan waters during the same period, compared to two cases reported last year.
“This highlights the need for continuous public awareness and stronger protection measures, particularly against threats such as illegal fishing gear and marine pollution,” he said.
He said only two turtle species, the hawksbill and green turtle, have been recorded nesting along Labuan’s coastlines.
“The department continues to enhance its turtle conservation programme through community engagement, awareness campaigns and regular monitoring to ensure these endangered species continue to thrive,” he added.
Sufian also urged fishermen and coastal communities to report any turtle landings or deaths to the Fisheries Department to enable prompt conservation action.
-- BERNAMA
