The research, conservation and management of sea turtles in Viet Nam

Abstract

It is recognized that there are five species of sea turtle to reside in Viet Nam. However, there are only three species often nest on beaches. Major nesting beaches are concentrated on offshore-islands in the Tonkin Gulf, Central Coasts and Islands in the Southern part of Viet Nam. Our results showed that locals have harvested nesting turtles and approximately amount of 50% of eggs for each species during nesting season, with the exception of Tho Chu Island, Con Dao National Park and Nui Chua Natural Reserve Area. Continuation of those threats will lead to the extinction of sea turtles in Viet Nam in the forthcoming decades. The current threats for marine turtles are including: (i) the incidental and opportunistic capture by fishermen and locals; (ii) the direct take of nesting females and their eggs at beaches; (iii) the urbanization, illegal trade issues, sand mining, tourism development and marine debris... The largest risk for marine turtles are bottom trawlers, especially in "Cao bay" trawling with big mesh-size net, gillnet operation, long-line net with several hook operators and diving activities. In general, most green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles are captured by those methods. The immediately taken action to preserve sea turtles and other wildlife, based upon the collaboration between Local, National Sectors and Regional Organizations are the best choice.