Nesting incidence, exploitation and trade dynamics of sea turtles in Balabac Strait Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridor, Palawan, Philippines

Abstract

The study assessed the nesting incidence, threats to nesting habitats, exploitation and trade dynamics of sea turtles in the Balabac Strait Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridor (MBCC). The most number of nests found belonged to the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas and only very few were of hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata. The shoreline vegetation was the most preferred nesting area, followed by beach forest and open beach. The eggs and meat of sea turtles in Balabac Strait MBCC are exploited for local consumption and trade. Information on trade route and local perception on conservation issues about sea turtles is also presented herein.