Sea turtle conservation and protection activities in Myanmar

Abstract

Four species of turtles were found in the past along the Mynamar Coast, which has many beach areas for the turtles to lay their eggs: green turtle (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). The turtle population has however declined in past years due to a number of reasons that include displacement by human, hunting, destruction of the hatching routes, poaching of turtle eggs and construction on the hatching areas. At present only green turtles and loggerheads remain. In an effort to increase the number of sea turtles, the Department of Fisheries of Myanmar has undertaken conservation programmes that include hatching of eggs in-situ and transferring the eggs to hatcheries. Other actions were in areas of research, monitoring training and capacity building of relevant staff. Campaigns to create public awareness were likewise to involve the community in turtle conservation programmes.