Philippine Standard time

A Survey of Marine Turtles Found in Mayo Bay, Davao Oriental, Philippines


Marine turtles are enlisted as critically endangered marine animals vulnerable to extinction. In Mayo Bay, Davao Oriental, the data on marine turtles’ status is deficient. Land-based monitoring from 2014 to 2016 was dedicated to filling in the gaps in the knowledge and status of marine turtles in Mayo Bay. Four species, namely, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea, and Dermochelys coriacea, were identified as being present in the bay. Commonly sighted species is Chelonia mydas (N=121), it is also the most frequently counted species for stranding incidences (N=9), due to by-catch using hook and line. Nesting activities recorded includes Lepidochelys olivacea as the prominent nester, with a total of 5,926 eggs laid and 4,956 eggs hatched and released with a hatching percentage of 84.03%. Chelonia mydas was observed to nest previously in 2014; however, it was found to be inactive after nesting in 2015 and 2016. Mayo Bay is found to be home to four species of marine turtles, although common challenges in conservation efforts were stranding incidences, beach encroachment, and intensive lighting due to beach resorts found in the area. An intensive education campaign drive should be done, andthe institutionalization of the protection of marine turtles should also be considered


Citations

This publication has been cited time(s).