Conflict between Turtle Conservation and Candak Sotong

Prof Ahmad Ismail look closely at the turtle before it left the nest for next nesting area

Public need to be educated continously by the authority not to disturb turtle and using bright torchlight and camera flash.

Prof Ahmad Ismail helping young turtle to identify their direction before it is free in the open sea. Orientation is very important so that the turtle will come back in the future.

Visitors release youg three day old turtle to their nature.

Everybody hope the turtle will come back to Terengganu beaches.

Female turtle leaving their uncertain nest back to the sea and may return back for next nesting

Turtle move slowly, stop few times and let their head touch the wave few times before swim in the sea. Then they will surface again before dissapeared.

Every year in April, May and June, tourist have an opportunity to observe sea turtle laying eggs on the beach especially in Terengganu. At the same time the fishermen also organise an interesting experience for visitors to candak sotong. These two activities may have conflict between conservation where bright light from fishing boat may disturbe turtle approaching beaches for nesting. Studies need to be done in order to answer this issue. Attitude of tourists who observing turtle laying eggs, eggs collection, nature and conservation, tourisms, enforcement and management are among the important subjects need to be covered.