Bengkulu develops turtle breeding center

BENGKULU: The local maritime resources and fishery office is developing breeding areas for turtles to prevent the extinction of the rare species.

"The protected turtle species will become extinct unless such efforts are made because turtle egg poaching is rife in the province," Tony Sarwono, the chief of the local maritime resources and fishery office, said here over the weekend.

His office plans to breed at least four species of green turtles, belimbing turtles, sisik turtles and lekang turtles.

"The habitat of the four turtle species will be developed in the waters off the Muko-Muko regency in cooperation with locals," he said.

Those participating in the project will be allowed to take some of the rare species' eggs, he added. -- JP