Posted on September, 06 2002

The protection of endangered marine turtle species took a major step forward in Cambodia this week, with a research and training workshop held in Sihanoukville from 2–4 September. The workshop, which was funded by WWF, was the first of its kind in Cambodia. The week also saw the first tagging and the first satellite tagging of a marine turtle in Cambodia. At the opening of the workshop, which was organized by the Department of Fisheries, Chhun Sareth, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, committed the government to conserving marine turtles as part of the natural heritage of Cambodia for future generations. He personally demonstrated this commitment by attending all three days of the workshop and by attaching the first tag, numbered KH0001, to a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). These tags help scientists and conservation managers learn more about the migration, habitat needs, and behavior of turtles. Dale Withington, Country Director of WWF Indochina in Cambodia, said the workshop was important for several reasons. "Very little is known about the biology of marine turtles in Cambodia, marine turtles are threatened with extinction, and not enough people in the government, private sector, and local communities are aware of the problem, laws that protect these species, or how to conserve these magnificent animals. This workshop helped address these issues." "This training workshop is the first big step towards conserving sea turtles in Cambodia," said Mr. Ing Try, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries. Say Hak, Mayor of Sihanoukville, told participants that he was committed to protecting marine turtles, dugong, coral reefs, and the marine environment, all of which are important for ecotourism and sustainable development. Participants at the workshop included representatives of the Royal Cambodian Navy, all four coastal provinces, NGOs such as WCS and TRAFFIC, and international turtle scientists from Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries. An important part of the workshop was to develop ideas on what are the most important things that need to be done to protect these species. "After this workshop, the success of future marine turtle conservation efforts will depend on the ability and will of the government, conservation organizations, local communities, and neighbouring countries to work together to counter the threats facing turtles and other rare marine species in Cambodia's waters," said Nick Cox, a marine environment specialist with the WWF Indochina Programme. One important step is to identify and protect the beaches where the turtles lay their eggs. It also is important to make people more aware that turtles are endangered and protected by Cambodian laws. Another important activity is to reduce the number of turtles accidentally caught by stingray hook lines and nets, and to ensure that any caught turtles are released. Cambodian fishermen traditionally do not try to catch turtles and they release accidentally caught turtles. However, this practice has been changing due to a decline in marine resources and poverty, and more turtles are being sold for food and other uses, said Ing Try. For further information: Mr. Ing Try Deputy Director, Department of Fisheries E-mail: tmmp.cam@bigpond.com.kh Dale Withington Cambodia Country Director, WWF Indochina E-mail: drwithing@bigpond.com.kh