Many will attest to the magic of turtle watching. Here are some guidelines on ways to observe them without causing distress to them or their environments.
Volunteers at work, documenting and counting turtle eggs. Photo by Tengah Island Conservation.
“My first experience seeing a sea turtle in the wild was back in 2015. I watched in awe as I witnessed a green sea turtle feeding on a seagrass meadow.” Mohd Alzam Mohd Affandy, Community Engagement and Environmental Awareness Manager of Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) shares. He marvelled at the turtle’s unhurried movements, tearing off mouthfuls of seagrass along the way with its powerful jaws.
Sea turtles are indeed majestic and known for their grace and beauty. Being ancient survivors from the age of dinosaurs, their living existence is a true testament to their remarkable adaptability and resilience.
Marvelling at the creature’s actions, Mohd Alzam realised how the seagrass, the turtle, and the entire ocean are all part of an intricately linked web of life, held together in a delicate balance that needs to be maintained. This experience sparked his interest in sea turtle conservation, which eventually led him to join TIC, a non profit biodiversity management initiative committed to conserving marine ecosystems in Mersing, Johor and its neighbouring islands.
Outliving dinosaurs
Malaysia’s coastal waters host several species of sea turtles, mainly the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
A review by Salleh et al. (2022) mentions that approximately 40% of the turtle’s total body mass is made up of bone and it can be considered the most organised form of animal armour ever to appear – which could explain why turtles have miraculously survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and other devastating events.
However, what makes these creatures so unique in the animal kingdom is their amazing ability to migrate hundreds (sometimes thousands) of kilometres from their feeding grounds and back to the exact location of their nesting beach. Adult females faithfully return to nest on the very same beach where they were born.
Due to the popularity of coastal areas for tourism, it remains a challenge to ensure that human activities do not cause distress to nesting turtles.
Tips for responsible turtle watching
The team at TIC believe in a systemic and community-driven approach to the conservation and protection of the flora, fauna, and marine ecosystems. We speak to Mohd Alzam as well as TIC Project Director Tanya Leibrick about how to observe sea turtles responsibly. Here are some tips from our experts.
1. Keep a safe distance
Always maintain a respectful distance from swimming or nesting turtles, hatchlings, and nests. If you happen to stumble upon a turtle coming out to nest, it is best to keep a safe distance (approximately 46 metres) to prevent stressing the turtle. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to observe them without disturbing their natural behaviour.
2. Avoid lights or flash photography
Turtles are highly sensitive to artificial light. Therefore, refrain from using flash photography or bright lights on or near the beach, especially at night, as this can disorient females and hatchlings.
3. Respect designated areas
Many nesting beaches would normally have designated areas marked off by conservation organisations or government authorities. As responsible guests, it is crucial to respect these boundaries to avoid stepping on nests or disturbing the turtle’s surroundings.
4. Minimise noise and disturbances
Loud noises and disturbances on the beach can stress nesting turtles and deter them from nesting or even laying eggs. Speak in lower tones and avoid sudden movements that could deter or scare the turtles away.
5. Leave no trace
Adhere to the classic saying ‘leave nothing behind but your footprints’. Remember that you are in their natural habitat and litter can pose a serious threat to sea turtles and other wildlife. Before leaving the beach, always take a few minutes to check for any remaining trash, including plastics and fishing gear, and clear them away.
6. Follow local regulations
In this era of easily accessible information, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with local rules and regulations that are related to sea turtles and nesting beaches. Sometimes, these rules may include restrictions on beach access during nesting seasons.
7. Go with a trained guide
Consider joining guided tours that are led by responsible and knowledgeable organisations or tour operators who have made a pledge to adhere to ethical practices. Ethical operators would ensure that tourists remain at a safe distance on nesting beaches and avoid actions that would distress nesting sea turtles.
8. Beware of harmful practices
Be cautious of operators and activities that feed wild sea turtles as this would ultimately harm the turtles’ health and long-term survival. While it is an accepted practice among responsible hatcheries to release turtles at a time where there are fewer predators to boost chances of survival, it is different from operators who keep turtles to profit off tourists who want to release them.
The impact of our choices
“Even small, meaningful actions can make a difference. By adopting sustainable practices, supporting protected areas and local communities and fostering a genuine appreciation for marine environment, we can all contribute to its conservation.”
– Tanya Leibrick
Tengah Island Conservation volunteer carefully measuring the size of a turtle hatchling for record purposes.
Photo by Tengah Island Conservation.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of sea turtles in their natural habitats while helping to ensure their continued survival for future generations.
Read TIC’s guidelines to help operators and accommodation providers protect sea turtles.
Get involved with the Turtle Hatchery and Monitoring Programme
Writer: Rebecca Anne Chin (The Habitat Foundation)
Contributors: Mohd Alzam bin Mohd Affandy and Tanya Leibrick (Tengah Island Conservation)