Jun
25
Written by:
frank zindel
25.06.2005
KALIMANTAN, June 2005.
Almost 150 sea turtles, mostly greens, had been found dead in a net near the feeding grounds of Pulau Panjang, Berau district, East Kalimantan, Indonesia (pictures)! Beside the chief of the sub-district (the Camat of Derawan) and other officials some members of locally involved NGOs had taken part in the salvaging of this huge amount of partly already rotten turtles. As we have been informed by our TURTLE FOUNDATION staff people who also helped with the following (unsuccessful) operation to find a suspected boat, the net had been fixed exclusively for catching adult turtles. The TURTLE FOUNDATION feels extremely upset about these news, because we have been involved in turtle protection and turtle monitoring in that area for several years and because we have been aware of turtle poaching even on a high level that had officially never been confirmed.
As a small organisation we have been almost fully absorbed by keeping the monitoring and protection status of Sangalaki Island, one of the most important nesting sites for green turtles. On this 12 ha island we have 5 – 40 nestings every single night throughout the year. We were very happy when, as a donation, we received a 2 X 200 hp speed boat two years ago. Being aware of the necessity to plan and carry out patrols also in larger circles throughout the Derawan archipelago we started to discuss a co-operation with state authorities responsible for nature protection. Unfortunately these plans are still not realized – mainly because of chronic problems getting the engines in satisfying conditions which are necessary for manovering in such a relatively large area.
Having the sad duty to inform about the recent turtle tragedy we are hoping at the same time that united efforts of all NGOs and GOs feeling responsible for this unique region (not only because of the turtles), will result in supporting active partners. One of theses persons certainly is the Camat of Derawan, Mr. Iramsyah, who personally went out for patrol on his private boat many times. We would be more than lucky to make a contribution to efforts like this by sending our speed boat to Tanjung Batu, seat of the Camat’s office. As reality shows it is more than necessary to bundle the few available forces in the Derawan area right now.
There is reason for optimism in our appeal, because the area really can be controlled by modern means like one or two powerful boats on a regular patrol basis. Avoiding tragedies as this one discovered a few days ago does not require big scale costs or long term negotiating. Basic infrastructure (speed boat, staff, official partner authorities) is available. But to be present as efficient guards of the turtles at this remarkable spot is a matter of financing the pure maintenance and fuel for real speed boats.
Having said that, the TURTLE FOUNDATION asks for financial support in order to make regular patrolling in this area possible and after all to make the Derawan archipelago a safer place for the turtles!
Tags: