Pacific Island Conservation Iniative

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Marine sea turtles are culturally, economically and environmentally important to the Cook Island community and identity of Pacific Islanders. Culturally sea turtles are considered ocean ambassadors, symbolising longevity, stamina and tranquillity (Logan, 2006). Sea turtles are a must see for tourists who visit the island and are economically beneficial to small local businesses such as dive companies and tourist boat operators. Environmentally turtles are known as key indicator species in many coastal ecosystems (Jackson et al. 2001). Due to their herbivorous diet, adult green sea turtles play an important role in ocean ecosystems by maintaining healthy sea grass beds (Bjorndal, 1980; Thayer et al. 1984).

In response to the declining Seat Turtle population in the Pacific The Cook Islands Turtle Project (CITP) was established in 2009 as part of a collaborative research effort between Dr. Michael White and the Pacific Island Conservation Initiative (PICI) to help provide better conservation methods for Sea Turtles. Since its establishment, nesting activity, turtle sightings and/or anecdotal evidence has been reported in Aitutaki, Manihiki, Nassau, Palmerston Atoll, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Suwarrow, Tongareva, Manuae, Rarotonga and Mauke. In water behavioural studies have taken place primarily in Papua passage, Rarotonga and Aitutaki (White, 2011; 2012; Bradshaw, 2013b).

Despite the extensive wealth of knowledge regarding the biology of marine sea turtles, lack of data from past turtle emergence and nesting events on Rarotonga makes it hard to predict when the next laying event will occur on the island. Has laying ever occurred on the island? If so, nesting activity would most likely occur on the island as a result of natal homing and the ability for marine turtles to imprint magnetic features of their natal beach as hatchlings so that they are able return to nest within the general geographic region from which they were born (Lochmann, 1999).

By identifying index beaches where turtles prefer to nest and understanding how turtles in the Cook Islands utilise their nearby habitats and surrounding waters, implementation of appropriate management strategies will allow for improved hatching success rates and the long-term survival of turtle populations. Marine surveys will also help scientists to determine which species and size-class of turtles are present in surrounding waters and how they utilise available habitat. It is envisioned that as research continues, in-water and beach assessment data will be available for all fifteen islands.

Read more about nesting patterns and sea turtle conservation in the Cook Islands here.