Effects of Handling on Hatchability of Eggs of the Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea (L.)

The infertility rate among clutches of leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs incubated in the hatchery at Rantau A bang, Malaysia is estimated at 22%. Variance in hatchability among fertile clutches ranges from 35.7- 96. 7% (x = 78%) for eggs handled with maximum care. For such eggs hatchability did not show a correlation with the time between oviposition and reburial. Leatherback eggs can tolerate rough handling only up to 5 hours after oviposition. Beyond this threshold, careful handling to prevent rolling, bumping, rotation and disorientation of the vertical axis will enhance hatch rates

Research, conservation and educational activities of the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU), Universiti Putra Malaysia Terengganu

The Sea Turtle Research Unit of University Putra Malaysia Terengganu (UPMT) was established in 1984, when research on sea turtles was first initiated in the University. Among the various research activities that have been conducted by the Unit, turtle tagging and nesting biology, research on hatchery and sex ratio, inter-nesting movements and behaviour, long distance migration and student research are included. Results from the satellite tracking study on long distance migration have reinforced the urgent need for regional cooperation among the ASEAN nations. The conservation and educational activities included the in-situ incubation of green and hawksbill turtle eggs. The public outreach programmes include the likes of 'Adopt a nest', 'Adopt a turtle', 'Volunteer Programme' and 'Turtle Camps'

Inception Report on Development of A Refugium Management Plan for the Mud Spiny Lobster (Panulirus polyphagus).

This report is under the SEAFDEC/UNEP/GEF Project on “Establishment and Operation of a Regional System of Fisheries Refugia in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand”The mud spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus) is one of the favourites seafood exported from Malaysia. There are limited studies on the mud spiny lobster by the local scientific community as compared to the rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) and common spiny lobster (Panulirus vulgaris). Although there are relatively less studies on the mud spiny lobster in this region, the Panulirus polyphagus is the predominant lobster reported in the east coast of the Peninsular Malaysia, from Kelantan in the North, down to Johor in the South (Alias et al., 2000). Noor Hanis and Siow (2019) reported the landing trend of this species begin showing a declining trend since early 2010s’, probably associated with the harvesting pressure. The declining landing trend suggested the needs to protect this spiny lobster to be protected to sustain the species in the area.UNEP/GE

Effects of egg incubation methods on locomotor performances of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings

Effects of different incubation methods on crawling and swimming ability of post-emergence green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings at Cherating (Kuantan, Pahang) and Chagar Hutang (Pulau Redang, Terengganu) Turtle Sanctuary were analysed during nesting season in 2009. Mean crawling speed of hatchlings incubated in styrofoam box, beach hatchery and in situ were at 0.042±0.008, 0.136±0.026 and 0.143±0.045 m/s, respectively. Crawling performance of hatclings from styrofoam box can be improved by keeping them for at least 48 h after their emergence. For swimming performance, all types of incubation methods showed significant differences in mean power-stroke rate during their early swimming effort ranging at 93-114 strokes/min. However, no correlation was found between morphological characteristics of hatchlings and swimming performance. The results from this study may give different perspective in evaluating hatchling production, which is in terms of hatchling morphological characteristics and their locomotor performance

The incidental capture of sea turtles in fishing gear in Terengganu, Malaysia

Data derived from interviews with fishermen revealed that incidental captures of sea turtles in fishing gear contribute significantly to the mortality of these animals in Terengganu, Malaysia. Trawl nets were mainly involved, with drift/gill nets and bottom longlines also capturing appreciable numbers of turtles. It was estimated that trawl and drift nets each had the potential of capturing an average of 742 and 422 turtles, respectively, per year. A large number of the turtles caught were leatherbacks Dermochelys coriacea, followed by both olive ridleys Lepidochelys olivacea and green turtles Chelonia mydas. No hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata captures were recorded. Turtles caught in trawl nets were usually dead when landed, while drift/gill net and bottom longline captures had some chances of survival. The problem of squid jigging is also discussed. Methods for reducing the deleterious effects of fishing gear are presented

Coastal eceanographic studies off Port Dickson

This paper summaries the preliminary results from one and a half years of study on the chemical,physical and biological properties of the Ports Dickson coastal waters. The study area covered the entire coast of Port Dickson and extended out to approximately 5km from the coast. The salinity,temperature,pH and dissolved oxygen levels were not significantly different throughout the water column nor among different stations in the study area. This reflects Port Dickson coastal water is well mixed within this area. The water was rich in nutrients (orthophosphate,nitrate and ammonium),high in dissolved oxygen and low in heavy metals. High fecal coliform counts were found in near-shore waters,however coliforms were undetectable in the coastal waters and coastal sediments. Petroleum hydrocarbon level in water seemed to be increasing from July 1986 to August 1987. However,no significant increases were all below the maximum safe permissible level for human consumption. The dominant species of phytoplankton detected in water were diatoms. There was about 10% of commercially important fish larvae (in number) in the fish larval sample

Effect of Elevated Carbon Dioxide on Two Scleractinian Corals: Porites cylindrica (Dana, 1846) and Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus, 1767)

This study reveals the effect of elevated pCO2 on Porites cylindrica and Galaxea fascicularis. The corals responded differently under elevated pCO2. Zooxanthellae cell density, cell mitotic index, and photosynthesis rate of P. cylindrica decreased drastically under the elevated pCO2. At the end of the experiment, P. cylindrica suffered from a declining calcium carbonate precipitation rate. G. fascicularis increased its respiration rate and expelled 71% of its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae under elevated pCO2. Photosynthetic pigments in the remaining zooxanthellae algae increased from 1.85 to 11.5 times to sustain its photosynthetic outputs. At the end of the experiment, G. fascicularis managed to increase the rate of its calcium carbonate precipitation. Increase pCO2 in the atmosphere may affect species diversity of coral reefs