After 10 years of absence, sea turtles have returned to lay eggs about 10 meters from the shoreline on Cu Lao Xanh Island.
Mr. Nguyen Ha Lao, a member of the community organization for aquatic resources protection in Nhon Chau, reported that sea turtles returned to the beach at Nam Beach on Cu Lao Xanh Island (Qui Nhon City) on the morning of July 15. The turtles dug three nests, two of which were false (without eggs) and one was real.
Mr. Nguyen Van Be, Vice Chairman of the Nhon Chau People’s Committee, stated that upon receiving reports from locals about the turtle’s arrival, the aquatic resource protection team fenced off the nest and posted signs for protection; continuous announcements were made to raise awareness among residents and tourists about protecting sea turtles. Local leaders have also informed the Fisheries Sub-department to guide protective measures for the nesting sites, allowing sea turtles to lay eggs naturally.
Local residents protect the sea turtles on Cu Lao Xanh Island, Binh Dinh, on July 15. (Photo: Nhon Chau).
Cu Lao Xanh (Nhon Chau) is an island commune covering over 360 hectares, located 24 km southeast of Qui Nhon City and 12 km northeast of Phu Yen Province’s coast. This island is a popular tourist destination, attracting around 13,000 visitors each year.
The island features rocky cliffs, bays, and numerous coral reefs and seaweed beds, contributing to a diverse ecosystem that is home to various characteristic and valuable marine species.
Many years ago, sea turtles frequently came to Nam Beach to lay eggs. However, at that time, the locals were not aware of the need for protection and often collected the eggs for consumption. Consequently, the turtles stopped coming.
Turtle tracks leading to the nesting site located 18 meters from the wave line. (Photo: Nhon Chau).
However, in recent years, local authorities, the Fisheries Sub-department, and international organizations have organized various activities to protect and restore the ecosystem, guiding residents on how to protect turtles.
“The return of sea turtles to our island commune for nesting is a positive signal for conservation efforts in the area. We will strive to manage and raise community awareness to better protect the nesting sites in conjunction with local tourism development,” stated the leader of Nhon Chau.
Turtles typically dig nests in the sand to lay eggs. (Photo: Xuan Sang).
Previously, in just over a month, there have been four instances of sea turtles coming to the beach at Nhon Hai (near Nhon Chau) to lay eggs, with a total of about 400 eggs. The first nest hatched 57 baby turtles, achieving a hatching success rate of 55%.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plans to organize a workshop on rescuing adult sea turtles, monitoring and managing nesting sites, and turtle rescue techniques in Binh Dinh on July 24 to protect this precious species.
