KUALA TERENGGANU: The discovery of a leatherback turtle in the waters off Pulau Redang three days ago is an indication that conservation programmes conducted in Terengganu are successful.

       Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Oceanography and Environment Institute Research Laboratory head Dr Mohd Uzair Rusli said the turtle was discovered by a fisherman near Pulau Lima in Pulau Redang.

       “The fisherman, Raja Aizat Raja Abdullah, informed me that the leatherback surfaced briefly, but its gender could not be identified as it seemed too wild to approach.

       “In his shock and excitement, he did not to record any video or photo, but based on his description, it definitely is a leatherback,” he said yesterday.

       For the record, leatherback landings have never been reported in Pulau Redang, and they were last detected landing in Terengganu in 2017, at Rantau Abang, Dungun.

       He said, however, inspection of eggs from two leatherback turtle nests which failed to hatch found the eggs were not fertilised.

       The discovery also indicated that the number of male leatherbacks was at a very critical level.

       He hoped authorities would monitor fishermen more closely as there were concerns that unregulated fishing activities would result in turtle deaths.

       “Once the turtle enters our waters, it will remain here for two to three months to lay eggs, so monitoring during this critical period is very important.

       “The same goes for the stretch of beach in Rantau Abang, where there should not be any disturbances that can disrupt turtle landings,” Mohd Uzair said. — Bernama