PROFAUNA Talks Sea Turtle Conservation Before Village Chiefs in Berau

An activist of Protection of Forest & Fauna (PROFAUNA) Indonesia, Bayu Sandi, talked about sea turtle conservation in front of 10 village chiefs from all around Berau in a meeting initiated by the Marine Affirs and Fisheries Service of Berau, on 28 October 2014. The village chiefs came from 3 different islands: Mataha, Derawan, and Balikukup. 

On the occasion held in Tanjung Redeb, Bayu explained about headstarting (keeping sea turtles for a long time), and why it is not good for the sea turtle babies and conservation. PROFAUNA believes that it is best to release sea turtle babies (hatchlings) to the ocean immediately, instead of withholding them in vessels. Headstarting does not only spoil the hatchling's natural ability to adapt to their environment and survive, but also it is a waste of time, money, and energy for there is no single proof that headstarting brings benefit for conservation.

In addition to sea turtle, the people at the meeting also talked about the conservation of the whaleshark, clams, and manta. The meeting was held due to the rampant practice of poaching and habitat destruction in Berau, East Borneo. Good coordination between the Marine Affirs and Fisheries Service, fishermen, local government, NGOs, and village authorities is very essential to tackle the problems. Foolowing this meeting, there will be another one involving the police force and the national army who are responsible for the law enforcement of wildlife crime.

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ProFauna Indonesia is an Indonesian society for the protection of
wild animals and their habitats