KKP Handles 1,286 Turtle Eggs in Sambas, Only 96 Deemed Viable for Hatching
Every discovery of turtles or their eggs must be handled carefully and accountably.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has handled 1,286 turtle eggs found at two locations in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, with only 96 of them recommended for incubation.
A total of 96 eggs were found by personnel of the Gabma Temajok Army Border Security Task Force during a patrol in the Temajuk area. Meanwhile, 1,190 other eggs were secured by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency in Sintete, Sambas Regency.
Director General of Marine Management at the KKP, Koswara, said in a press release received in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, on Tuesday that the Pontianak Marine Management Office’s Rapid Response Team immediately carried out data collection, evacuation, and identification after receiving information about the findings.
“Speed of response, inter-agency coordination, and compliance with procedures are key to ensuring that every finding can be handled properly while supporting the preservation of marine ecosystems,” said Koswara.
Based on identification results and examination by a veterinarian from Sealife, the 96 eggs found in Temajuk are indicated to be green turtle eggs.
The eggs are still in good condition and show signs of fertility, so they are recommended for incubation.
Currently, the eggs have been incubated at the Pontianak Marine Management Office.
Meanwhile, the 1,190 eggs secured from Sintete are indicated to come from hawksbill turtles and green turtles.
However, the sample examination results did not show signs of fertility, so the eggs are not recommended for incubation and will subsequently be handled according to the applicable mechanism.
Head of the Pontianak Marine Management Office, Syarif Iwan Taruna Alkadrie, said that all stages of handling were carried out with attention to conservation, technical, administrative, and law enforcement aspects.
“Every discovery of turtles or their eggs must be handled carefully and accountably. Therefore, we continue to strengthen coordination with all relevant agencies so that protection of protected fish species can run optimally,” he said.
As a follow-up, the Pontianak Marine Management Office has submitted the identification results along with supporting documents to the Pontianak Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP) for processing according to its authority.
The KKP also urges the public not to take, trade, transport, or utilise turtles and their eggs illegally.
The public is asked to immediately report to officers or authorised agencies if they find turtles, turtle eggs, or activities suspected of violating fish species protection provisions.