ALOR FISHERMEN UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF RELEASING TURTLES THAT ARE ACCIDENTALLY CAUGHT
The awareness of coastal communities in the SAP area of Pantar Strait for protected marine biota is getting better. WWF has been involved several times by the community in releasing sea turtles. The released turtles are turtles that are accidentally caught in the nets of fishermen on the coast of the Pantar Strait SAP.
In the last three months (December 2018 - February 2019), WWF was involved in three incidents of sea turtles caught in fishermen's nets.
On December 12, 2019, WWF together with the Fisheries Extension Officer of Alor Regency released 2 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) with carapace lengths of 45 cm and 43 cm.
"Actually, three turtles were caught in the net, but because one was so big, it managed to tear the net and escape," said Mr. Lukas Afomai, a fisherman who accidentally caught the turtles. "I have kept this turtle for one week, but because I know that turtles are protected, I decided to contact the Fisheries Extension Officer so that we can release them together". Then, the two turtles were released at Kadelang Beach.
Then on January 17, 2019, WWF was again contacted by Mr. Lukas Afomai and Mr. Simson who are Pokmaswas of Pante Deere Village that a sea turtle was again entangled in a fisherman's net on the coast of Kabola.
Mr. Simon Moulaka, the fisherman who accidentally caught the turtle, hid the turtle in the boat and covered it with coconut leaves to prevent it from being taken by other irresponsible people. The entangled turtle was a female green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with a carapace length of 70 cm.
"I know that sea turtles are protected, so I was afraid too. I happened to meet Mr. Lukas so I asked him to help me contact the authorities," said Mr. Simon. The turtle was finally released at Mali Beach with the staff of East Nusa Tenggara Provincial DKP and Alor District DKP.
On February 8, 2019, it was again reported that a sea turtle was entangled in a fisherman's net on the coast of Kabola. Zakarias Djahatang, a fisherman who accidentally caught the turtle, reported the incident to the Head of Kabola Village and Pokmaswas Kabola. The entangled turtle was a green turtle (Chelonia mydas), female, and had a carapace length of 54 cm. Together with the Head of Kabola Village, the Commander of the Alor Regency Postal Service, Pokmaswas Kabola, and local residents, the turtle was released at Mali Beach.
Threatened and protected animals such as sharks, turtles, dolphins, and even seabirds, have the potential to get caught or caught accidentally. These unintentionally caught animals are also known as bycatch. Bycatch is one of the issues that hampers sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia.
Aware fishermen to release bycatch of protected marine animals and proper handling of bycatch animals can save animal populations and ecosystem sustainability.
Right handling by fishermen, for example, is to make sure that before returning to the sea, the turtle is recovered. Check by touching some sensitive parts of the turtle such as the eyes and tail. See if there is a reaction after being touched, for example, moving the tail or blinking the eyes. You can also see the reaction of the turtle's front flipper (foot), which when lifted will move its foot. Guidance on handling sea turtle bycatch can be accessed here.
The village head and Pokmaswas Kabola invited WWF, TNI-AL, and also DKP Alor to socialize protected marine biota such as sea turtles, dugongs, whales, sharks and others so that more people are aware of the importance of preserving these animals.
This initiative by the coastal community supports the conservation of protected marine biota. Highest appreciation to them!