Data collected from relocated leatherback turtle nests subject to higher tides and warmer ocean temperatures (the effects of “Global Warming”) are very promising.

Hatch out rates are almost double that of nests which are not threatened from flooding or in-nest cooking. ANY relocated egg which was laid in the tidal zone of the beach and hatches is, in every case, a major step forward to the survival of this giant turtle. The relocated nests at mid-nesting season are demonstrating amazing results. The relocated nests are averaging a 93% hatching success.

“We are quite excited to report that our pioneering Leatherback turtle egg relocation project is demonstrating results well above our expectations,” said Larry McKenna, PhD, Founding Director of Save Our Leatherbacks Operation (S.O.L.O.).

Nest relocation and other innovative actions, not yet reported by S.O.L.O. are targeted to place more hatchlings into the sea where over time; an increase in population may offset the disasters of the continuing at sea slaughter of these giant turtles.

S.O.L.O. just completed its annual expeditions to the very remote “Leatherback Beach” in Papua, Indonesia. These Expeditions occur each July and August. Volunteers from many Nations participate in a rare exposure to the Leatherback Turtle females as they come from the sea in the dark of night to nest and propagate the species.

The hatchlings exit nests at night after approximately 8 weeks of incubation to scamper to the sea toward an unknown future. It is difficult to be sitting on that beach and not get “goose bumps” as this Jurassic era nesting and hatching events are repeated. Reservations are already being confirmed for the 2010 season.
The number of females which have come ashore this season is a disappointment as compared to previous seasons. The nest counts are much lower than previously observed and recorded. Further, the beach research staff report that in this season, about 50% of the females exiting the ocean to nest, simply walk around some and go back to the sea without nesting. Another mystery of the Leatherback to ponder.

Very Few Nests as Marked by Dated Poles.
“The lack of nests and nesting may represent one of the several critical issues regarding the Leatherback turtles. The surviving population of females may be even less than projected based on actual nest counts because a female may nest between five and seven times each season; compounding the issue of how many remain and how many males remain in the seas to mate.” said McKenna. “Bear in mind that these are hypotheses as no one knows the true population in the Pacific.”

The continuing Asian long line raping of the Pacific Ocean of any and all fish and marine mammals which swim through their “curtains of death” continues to decimate sea turtle populations.

Japan Long Line Consortiums Operate the Largest Fleet (3,000+ boats); maybe as many as four million hooks in the seas in the Pacific with no controls or monitors to assist in avoiding the taking of Leatherbacks and other marine creatures not sought as food. Japan refused to comply with a United Nations Resolution to avoid the Leatherback migration paths and feeding areas.

The nesting data and associated factors data will continue to be refined and examined by Volunteer PhD Marine Biologists as the season continues. “Our achievements will be first summarized during the Dive Equipment Manufactures Association (DEMA) exhibition in Orlando, FL, November 4 and 7, 2009,” McKenna said.

“A composite report will be published in the fall/winter of 2009-10 along with other not previously reported activities also in progress.” McKenna stated.

S.O.L.O. is an all Volunteer IRS Certified 501(c) (3) non profit Foundation. We are 100% dependent on donations to further our stated objectives to find ways to save this giant Leatherback Turtle from its spiral into extinction. More information can be obtained by a review of our web site: www.leatherbackturtles.org. Information may be requested via e-mail: info-saveourleatherbacks@earthlink.net.

Please help us with your Donations which are tax deductible. Credit Cards (M.C. & Visa) can be used as explained in our web site.

© Photos and Text- 2009 by Larry McKenna. All rights are reserved. E-Mail: larrymckenna@earthlink.net

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