Loggerhead turtles sub population that nests in Oman critically endangered

1/26/2016 12:51:06 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

An assessment on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) completed in 2015 shows that the North West Indian Ocean sub-population of the species which nests in Oman and Yemen is critically endangered. This is the highest threat category on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The assessment was carried out by a global network of sea turtle experts of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

For the first time the assessment was made regionally rather than on a global scale dividing the Loggerhead species into ten sub-populations.

The assessment projected that the sub-population declined by 80 per cent in the past three generations and faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.

An estimated 13000 loggerhead females nest on Masirah Island annually. This number is below 30000-40000 females estimated in scientific research conducted around 20 years ago.

The causes of reduction may be numerous as marine turtles suffer high threats from both the beach environment (such as light pollution coastal construction vehicle movement and fishery activities) and the marine environment (such as fisheries bycatch and habitat degradation).

'Bycatch' a term used by the fishing industry refers to unintentional capture of marine species as a byproduct of targeting other species.

Bycatch is considered a major threat to marine turtles not just in Oman but worldwide. Research led by global turtle experts in coordination with the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs suggests that Masirah Island hosts over 90 per cent of the North West Indian Ocean loggerhead sub-population nests.

Dana al Sarhani ESO board member and PR in-charge said 'The categorisation of the loggerhead sub-population in Oman should serve as a wake-up call. Sea turtles are an indicator of a healthy marine life and their importance within the ecosystem revolves around their lifecycle in land and marine habitats and within the food web. So breaking this link in the food chain can have knock-on effects throughout having a direct impact on our dependence on the ocean for sustenance economic returns and tourism. It is imperative that we collectively take responsibility to develop stronger on-ground conservation efforts to protect our marine biodiversity.'

She added 'Despite this Oman is still home to thousands of nests every year making it the second largest nesting site for loggerheads in the world. We must work together and take individual responsibility or this species will become extinct if intensive efforts are not applied. Spreading awareness and reaching out to the local community are key steps towards sustaining our marine ecosystems for this generation and future generations to come. We must always remember that healthy seas will save turtles.'

Juma al Arami ESO's Masirah field assistant said 'My team and I are dedicated to continue our efforts to engage with our community in Masirah on the importance of loggerhead turtles. They play a critical role in sustaining the livelihood of coastal communities that rely on marine biodiversity as a natural resource.'

ESO launched a campaign to raise awareness on how individuals can make a difference in protecting theturtles.

Kickstarted in 2008 ESO's Marine Turtle Research and Conservation project continues as the organisation ramps up efforts to halt and reverse the decline of Oman's turtle populations.

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