Gamal A. Al-Harrani Sea Turtles in Yemen Republic of Yemen Ministry of Water and Environment Environment Protection Authority

Sea turtles in Yemen Waters, Threats and Conservation  Sea turtles, everywhere, are considered as endangered species, due to the decrease in its population in the World Oceans.  The estimated number of survivals hatchling to adulthood is found not exceed 1 in 1,000 eggs.  The adult turtles are subjected to threats over nesting beaches, area of feeding and during their Longley migration.

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Sea turtles, occurrence in Yemen Seas  Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) (Chelonia mydas)  The Green turtles are reported to nest in Ras Sharma- Jethmoon beaches, which are considered as mostly important nesting beaches remaining in the world, and on the Red Sea Beaches

Sea turtles, occurrence in Yemen Seas  Hawksbill Sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)  Ras Immran (Aden) was reported as important nesting beach for Hawksbill turtles in the Gulf of Aden  It nests also on Sharmah_Jathmoon Beaches together with Green turtles

Sea turtles, occurrence in Yemen Seas  Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta )  Socotra is the nesting beach for Loggerhead, particularly in Ghubbat Abalhan to Ras Kadama.  In addition, there was a number of nest in In Abdulkuri.  Locals exploit meat and eggs of Loggerhead for human consumption, especially in Abdulkuri.

Sea turtles, occurrence in Yemen Seas Olive ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea )  Some observers report it is occurrence at Sharmah-Jathmoon beach, however, it dose not confirmed.

Sea turtles, in Yemen Seas  Leatherback Sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)  These turtles are not very common in Yemeni seas.  Fishermen are reported to see them in the sea, mainly, near Immran and In Socotra Archelapago.  No data on their nest in Yemeni beaches

Threats in Yemen  Dogs; the uncontrolled population of dogs in Ras- Sharmah- Jethmoon areas and their occurrence over the nesting site.  Eggs poacher ( canine and human) in nesting beaches, in Ras – Sharma ( Hadramout ) and Ghubbat Abalhan and Abdulkuri ( Socotra ).  Capture of turtles for human consumption and for tortoise.  Killing turtles in fishermen nets near the feeding and nesting sites.  Beach recreation, artificial lighting and movement of people on nesting beaches specially by cars.

Conservation Strategies  Sea turtles conservation can not be succeed, unless it will be taken in all three dimensions; they are:-  National efforts  Regional efforts  International efforts

National efforts Capture of Sea turtles is forbidden by the law. In addition, there is an orientation to declare many nesting beaches and areas of feeding as marine protected areas.  Conduct public awareness among the local communities and encourage Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in conservation of sea turtles and their nesting beaches and habitats.  Declare a number of protected areas along the Yemeni coast in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Continue tagging programme in nesting beaches.

Regional efforts  Yemen is a member of (PERSGA), -Surveys been conducted by PERSGA, -Surveys been conducted by PERSGA, tagging in Sharmah-Jathmoon nest, tagging in Sharmah-Jathmoon nest, -Regional training, on turtles survey method -Regional training, on turtles survey method

International efforts  Sea turtles are protected by the “Convention on trade of endangered species” (CITES ).  Sea turtles are included in Appendix! Of this agreement and receive protection from international trade. Yemen is part of CITES.  Sea turtles enjoy a special importance in the documents and activities of IUCN.

Immediate goals for protecting sea turtles  * Crack down on illegal international trade in sea turtles and their products by enforcing laws and agreements.  * Decrease the turtle deaths caused by commercial fishing through enforcement of Turtle Excluder Device (TED) and gill net regulations.  * Protect nesting beaches by establishing parks and refuges or through regulations combined with public education initiatives.  * Eliminate disturbances at nesting beaches by decreasing artificial lighting, halting beach armoring, regulating beach nourishment and limiting the impacts of people on the beach.

 Enforce national and international laws to minimize the dumping of pollutants and solid waste into the ocean and near shore waters.  Continue research and monitoring activities to conserve turtles population. Conservation efforts can be focused where they are most needed.  Increase public awareness and community participation in sea turtle conservation through educational programs.

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