Rescuing Vietnamese sea turtles

Dr. Peter Todd - former volunteer of VSA (New Zealand Volunteer Organization Overseas) - had an article sent to the Environment page to call for help for Vietnamese sea turtles that are in great danger strains.

Many readers may have jewelry or things made from a sea turtle's shell, or you can see a sea turtle menu in restaurants on the coast. Although included in the list of endangered and listed species in the International Convention on the Sale of Endangered Species (CITES), trade in marine turtle products still exists. in many countries, including Vietnam and neighboring countries.

A sea turtle off the coast of Nha Trang - Photo: Tri Hung

Plastic imitation turtle shells have been around for years, but some people still wish to get ' genuine products '. Unfortunately for marine turtles, the commercialization of its products is a key factor contributing to further degradation and possible future extinction of sea turtles . The education program has made people aware of the need to protect sea turtles, but unfortunately, there are still some forms of trading meat, sea turtle eggs and products from tortoise shells . Small turtles are still traded in some places in Vietnam.

" After all, no one wants to tell their children and grandchildren that perhaps I have eaten the last sea turtle! "

Dr. Peter Todd

Sea turtles are mainly caught to eat meat, take turtle shells to make jewelry and process some traditional medicines.

2. Sea turtles are widely distributed throughout the world in tropical and subtropical oceans. They move through the oceans, characterized by adult females laying eggs at fixed beaches. Eggs are buried by mother turtles in a nest under the sand to hatch for about a month to hatch into baby turtles. These turtles escape the nest and find their way to the sea. In Vietnam, 30-40 years ago, sea turtles often go ashore to lay eggs. Their eggs are good prey for humans, and they also contribute to a serious decline in the number of marine turtles in Vietnam. Currently in Vietnam, there are only a few places to protect the spawning sites of sea turtles, Nui Chua and Con Dao.

Once the full-size growth turtles (adult leather turtles weigh up to 900kg), they no longer have to fear marine predators. Sea turtles are one of the oldest living groups. Sea turtles are quite adaptable to the environment until human activities begin to degrade their numbers in the past 30-50 years.

So far, sea turtle farming has not been successful and it seems that in the future it will not be better.

3. Why protect sea turtles? Sea turtles can be considered an indicator species - they signify the freshness of the marine environment . Therefore, the continued decline in the number of marine turtles indicates a continuous decline in the freshness of the marine ecosystem . Sea turtles are also a major species such as dolphins, representing environmental protection needs.

To identify the need to protect and restore the number of sea turtles, sea turtles are listed in Vietnam's ordinance ' Regarding the publication of a list of Vietnam's aquatic species that need to be protected, propagated and development '. Sea turtles are also protected according to CITES standards. Many different state agencies and NGOs are actively promoting awareness of the need to protect the declining number of sea turtles. Vietnamese citizens are aware of the hopelessness of sea turtles that can contribute by not participating in any activities that could lead to their decline. If you see any turtle products on sale or see turtle meat at a restaurant, politely decline. Once aware of the problem of destroying sea turtles, perhaps a call for conscience is needed.

There are 5 types of sea turtles known in Vietnam

1. Green turtles or green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Is the current popular type, size 90-180kg. Found in Con Dao, Nui Chua Island in the Gulf of Thailand or several offshore islands. It is currently on the list of near extinction.

2. Skin turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). The largest species of turtles, weighing 200-900kg This type is very rare, in the list of serious extinction.

3. The brassman (Caretta caretta) weighs 65-100kg. This type is very rare. On the list of near-serious extinction.

4. Pineapple bait hill (Lepidochelys olivacea). The smallest type, weighing between 33-43kg. They nest in beaches, 30 years ago, but are now on the list of near-extinction.

5. Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate), weighing 65-100kg. The most popular category before in Vietnam. There is still a situation of illegal sale of turtle shells. On the list of near extinction.