Research and Management #
The Fisheries Department manages Ma’ Daerah and the surrounding beaches under the endorsement of the Terengganu State Government. The hatchery operates from March to September, when all eggs are collected for incubation within the sanctuary. A total of six rangers patrol the beaches to monitor, measure and tag nesting females and collect eggs for the hatchery. A sanctuary supervisor oversees the staff at Ma’ Daerah that includes two rangers, two hatchery caretakers and assists in community and awareness activities.
Marine turtle conservation also depends on a solid scientific foundation. Hatchery research focuses primarily on two main aspects – increasing overall hatching success rates and investigating natural versus artificial incubation vitality. Studies on sex ratios hope to determine if hatchery techniques can simulate the natural balance of males and females in the wild. Natural nests produce more females than males – out of every 100 hatchlings produced, 70 would be female and 30 male – to ensure propagation of the species. Hatchling orientation studies are also conducted to try to determine if artificial lights alter the path of newborns seeking the bright horizon on the sea.
Some of the activities under research and management include the following:
- Saturation Tagging involves identifying all nesting females to monitor populations for returning turtles and new arrivals to the beaches of Ma’ Daerah.
- Monitoring of Nesting Females is necessary to check the growth and health of turtles whose shells and bodies are measured and observed for damage and injuries.
- Satellite Tracking, with transmitters attached to female turtles, allows researchers to follow movements in offshore waters during the nesting season to pinpoint landing areas.
- Pivotal Temperature studies monitor nesting temperatures in the hatchery during incubation to obtain proper sex ratios.
- The Earthwatch Programme brings volunteers together with scientists to focus on studies comparing hatchling vigour from artificial and natural nest sites to use for management purposes.
The Ma’ Daerah Marine Turtle Sanctuary Management Plan is a comprehensive plan to provide direction and coordination of activities involving the state government, local communities, local industries and the visiting public. Its strategies focus on biodiversity conservation through recommendations addressing a mixture of land use practices and issues pertinent to coastal communities, including ecotourism and recreation.