Project Background
Two species of marine turtle nest on Tongan beaches: Hawksbill turtle (Eretmachelys imbricate) and Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and while both species are known to nest here, it is reported that the majority of nests are laid by the hawksbill turtle. There is legislation in place to protect turtles under Tongan law with an authorised harvesting season limited to male turtles (excluding leatherbacks) only during the period 1st February to 31st July. The closed season is all year for females of all species, males and females of the leatherback species and, from 1st August to 31st January for all other male turtle species. In addition to this, all nests and their eggs are fully protected by law and no spear guns can be used to catch any turtle.
In Tonga there exists a demand for turtle meat as it is considered a delicacy to be served during cultural celebrations and harvesting is common during the open season. Live exports of turtles between island groups have been recorded, with most of these animals being sent for private and commercial sale/consumption. Turtle consumption was thought to be sustainable during past decades, however demand has increased, closed seasons are, reportedly, no longer being respected and traditional sustainable practices are being lost leading to a decline in the number of turtles in the local waters.
In specific regard to Vava’u, four main problems have been locally identified as the basis for establishing this conservation project. These are:
1. Illegal harvesting of nests and turtles during closed season
2. Lack of enforcement of legislation during the closed and open seasons on size limits, sex, etc
3. Lack of outreach to communities for protecting nesting and foraging grounds
4. Placement of static nets for fishing leading to turtle by-catch
The mission of this project is to address the loss of these traditional practices and to use proven community led models from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to develop capacity within communities environmental leaders with a focus on turtle conservation and education.
In Tonga there exists a demand for turtle meat as it is considered a delicacy to be served during cultural celebrations and harvesting is common during the open season. Live exports of turtles between island groups have been recorded, with most of these animals being sent for private and commercial sale/consumption. Turtle consumption was thought to be sustainable during past decades, however demand has increased, closed seasons are, reportedly, no longer being respected and traditional sustainable practices are being lost leading to a decline in the number of turtles in the local waters.
In specific regard to Vava’u, four main problems have been locally identified as the basis for establishing this conservation project. These are:
1. Illegal harvesting of nests and turtles during closed season
2. Lack of enforcement of legislation during the closed and open seasons on size limits, sex, etc
3. Lack of outreach to communities for protecting nesting and foraging grounds
4. Placement of static nets for fishing leading to turtle by-catch
The mission of this project is to address the loss of these traditional practices and to use proven community led models from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to develop capacity within communities environmental leaders with a focus on turtle conservation and education.
Partners
Vava'u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA)
The Vava’u Environmental Protection Association is the only
environment NGO in the Kingdom of Tonga. Working closely with local communities
and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, VEPA is dedicated to the
conservation of Vava’u’s natural beauty through educational awareness,
sustainable development and collaboration.
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Program
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Program (SPREP) is
an intergovernmental organisation charged with promoting cooperation among
Pacific islands countries and territories to protect and improve their
environment and ensure sustainable development.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
The Vision of His Majesty’s Government National Strategic Planning Framework and beyond is to achieve a high standard of living and quality of life for both men and women, and also sustainability of development, economically, environmentally, culturally and politically.
Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Department of Fisheries is relatively a new government agency that served as an arm of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry since 1940’s with a mandate to manage and develop Tonga’s aquatic resources.