Distribution of Hawksbill Turtles (Erethmochelys imbricata) in Longlonebok Island and its Adjacent Area in Myanmar

Abstract

Thanintharyi Region has a rich marine biodiversity including five marine turtle species. Thanintharyi Coast is a marine biosphere and it is unique for sea grasses and corals ecosystems. Most of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are currently found near Longlonebok Island and it„s adjacent areas compared with other areas in Myanmar. Hawksbill turtles were listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List in 1986. The hawksbill turtles are reported to be killed in fishing activities. Department of Fisheries of Myanmar received invaluable information on hawksbill turtles within that year. At present information on hawksbill turtles can be collected from fishermen and local people participating in conservation and management activities of marine turtles. This paper described and discussed the sizes of hawksbill turtles found in the areas. There are still gaps in knowledge of the biological characteristics as well as habitats. Most of the divers found the hawksbill turtles underwater when collecting for lobsters and sea cucumbers. Participation of fishermen and local people are better than past decades. However repeated awareness and education programmes regarding marine turtles are still needed.