Hawksbill turtles thrive in Gulf waters

Hawksbill turtles are listed as critically endangered globally, but are faring better than expected in Gulf waters, according to an international turtle specialist helping to conserve the species. Dr. Nicolas J. Pilcher, technical adviser to the Marine Turtle Conservation Project, said tracking studies of the Hawksbill turtle off Dubai shores shows a high level of migration between feeding and nesting grounds. Studies show the turtles moving into deeper colder Gulf waters as the summer temperatures rise, he said. The project is led by the Emirates Wildlife Society and World Wildlife Federation and is now in its third year, said Pilcher who spoke to project sponsors at an evening gathering at Ghantoot reserve. "Nothing is known about where turtles spend their time at sea growing up and feeding," Pilcher said. "If you don't know, it's hard to go to the government for help." Sponsors were led on an evening tour of the beaches and inland tidal waters of the reserve searching for nesting females who lay their clutches of 100 eggs each for four weeks every several years. Pilcher noted that it can take more than 30 years for a Hawksbill turtle to reach reproductive maturity. Given the level of construction in recent years along Gulf coastlines turtles can have a hard time finding their original birthplaces to return home. Accidental catches of the turtles by fishermen can also lead to the species' uncertain future, he said. Pilcher said nesting sites around the globe would see up to 500 nesting females in any given year. That number has now declined in some places to only two sightings of females nesting in any given season. Strong conservation projects such as the Marine Turtle Conservation Project as well as regular efforts by the Emirates Marine Environmental Group to relocate turtle eggs to safe havens until hatched are working, he said.