Sea Turtles situation and Sea Turtles situation and study in I.R. Iranstudy in I.R. Iran

Asghar MobarakiAsghar MobarakiExpert of wild Life and Aquatic affairs BureauExpert of wild Life and Aquatic affairs Bureau

National Focal Point For MOU-IOSEANational Focal Point For MOU-IOSEADepartment Of The EnvironmentDepartment Of The EnvironmentEmail: amobaraki@yahoo.comEmail: amobaraki@yahoo.com

Contact with the Gulf and Contact with the Gulf and Oman sea Oman sea

• 1800 km shorelines on north of the Persian 1800 km shorelines on north of the Persian Gulf and Oman seaGulf and Oman sea

• Four provinces on the shores: Khuzestan, Four provinces on the shores: Khuzestan, Booshehr, Hormozgan and Sistan and Booshehr, Hormozgan and Sistan and BaluchestanBaluchestan

• 30 small and big islands in the Gulf with 30 small and big islands in the Gulf with coastline of about 600 kmcoastline of about 600 km

• Queshm, Hendourabi, Kish, Sheedvar, Lavan, Queshm, Hendourabi, Kish, Sheedvar, Lavan, Mond area islands(Ommolkaram and Mond area islands(Ommolkaram and Nakhiloo), Khark, Kharkoo are the most Nakhiloo), Khark, Kharkoo are the most important Islandsimportant Islands

The species and areaThe species and area

• Considering the existing populations Considering the existing populations of the species and their distribution of the species and their distribution both of the area and species could be both of the area and species could be divided to two main parts:divided to two main parts:

-The area : 1-the Persian Gulf and 2--The area : 1-the Persian Gulf and 2-Oman seaOman sea

-The species: 1- Hawksbill and 2- -The species: 1- Hawksbill and 2- Green turtlesGreen turtles

The Species and Habitats in The Species and Habitats in the Persian Gulfthe Persian Gulf• The area consists of the main nesting habitats for The area consists of the main nesting habitats for

the Hawksbills and some for the Green turtlesthe Hawksbills and some for the Green turtles• Different Islands are the most important nesting Different Islands are the most important nesting

sites for the species but, some mainland sites are sites for the species but, some mainland sites are also do existalso do exist

• Green turtles in different life stages are the main Green turtles in different life stages are the main feeding species, specially around the Islands.feeding species, specially around the Islands.

• Some feeding Hawksbills in juvenile stages have Some feeding Hawksbills in juvenile stages have found and confirmedfound and confirmed

• There is not any conformed records for other There is not any conformed records for other species species

The species and Habitats in the The species and Habitats in the Oman sea areaOman sea area• The area consists of important feeding grounds for The area consists of important feeding grounds for

the Green sea turtles in different life stages all year the Green sea turtles in different life stages all year longlong

• There are some important nesting sites for the green There are some important nesting sites for the green turtles in a few numbers too (Mobaraki 2004)turtles in a few numbers too (Mobaraki 2004)

• Olive Ridley also has reported form the area( Kami Olive Ridley also has reported form the area( Kami 1997, Mobaraki 2003)1997, Mobaraki 2003)

• Although there are some suitable nesting sites for Although there are some suitable nesting sites for the Hawksbill and also there are some reports on it’s the Hawksbill and also there are some reports on it’s nesting in far years( Kinunen and Walczack 1971), nesting in far years( Kinunen and Walczack 1971), there were not any records in the past yearsthere were not any records in the past years

The most important nesting The most important nesting sites of Hawksbills in the sites of Hawksbills in the Persian GulfPersian Gulf• Considering the nesting populations of Considering the nesting populations of

hawksbill turtles as well as effective hawksbill turtles as well as effective threatening factors, some Islands in the area threatening factors, some Islands in the area are supposed to be the most important are supposed to be the most important nesting sites for this species in which the nesting sites for this species in which the following ones have highly priority( Mobaraki following ones have highly priority( Mobaraki 2004):2004):

1- Sheedvar, Hendourabi, Hengam, Queshm, 1- Sheedvar, Hendourabi, Hengam, Queshm, Farour in Hormozgan provinceFarour in Hormozgan province

2- Nakhiloo, Ommolkaram, Kharkoo Islands and 2- Nakhiloo, Ommolkaram, Kharkoo Islands and Nayband Bay in Booshehr province Nayband Bay in Booshehr province MAPMAP

Main nesting site and feeding Main nesting site and feeding grounds for green turtles grounds for green turtles recorded in Oman sea area recorded in Oman sea area • Considering the long shorelines of the Considering the long shorelines of the

Oman sea and lack of equipments it is Oman sea and lack of equipments it is difficult to cover all the are annually, but in difficult to cover all the are annually, but in some regular survey the main sites have some regular survey the main sites have identified (Mobaraki 2004) identified (Mobaraki 2004)

1-Nesting sites: Cholotr, ahmad Rizeh, 1-Nesting sites: Cholotr, ahmad Rizeh, Karatti, Kachoo, Kohpansar, TangKaratti, Kachoo, Kohpansar, Tang

2- feeding grounds: Tang, Pozm, Miami, 2- feeding grounds: Tang, Pozm, Miami, DjoddDjodd

Sea turtles study in Iran( far Sea turtles study in Iran( far years)years)

• There are some information and There are some information and reports from far years like:reports from far years like:

- Kinunen and Walczack 1971Kinunen and Walczack 1971

- Anderson 1979Anderson 1979

- Harington 1976Harington 1976

- Groombrige and luxmoore 1989Groombrige and luxmoore 1989

Sea turtles study in Iran (in the Sea turtles study in Iran (in the past years)past years)

• Considering the lack of available Considering the lack of available information on sea turtles in Iran covering information on sea turtles in Iran covering the existing gaps was in high need, the existing gaps was in high need, specially that there was not any reliable specially that there was not any reliable information on their reproduction biology. information on their reproduction biology. So, in the past years the important sited So, in the past years the important sited were visited regularly and needed were visited regularly and needed information and data almost collected, information and data almost collected, specially from Sheedvar, Hendorabi, specially from Sheedvar, Hendorabi, Nakhiloo and ommolkaram Islands Nakhiloo and ommolkaram Islands

Important hawksbill nesting Important hawksbill nesting sites in the Gulf, 1: Sheedvar sites in the Gulf, 1: Sheedvar IslandIsland• It has nominated as “wild life refuge” and It has nominated as “wild life refuge” and

2020thth international wetland’ of the country international wetland’ of the country• Not subject for habitationNot subject for habitation• Only eastern and northern part have sandy Only eastern and northern part have sandy

beaches suitable for nesting beaches suitable for nesting • Adjacent to Lavan Island which has Adjacent to Lavan Island which has

special importance due to oil exploitationspecial importance due to oil exploitation• It has another importance as a fishing site, It has another importance as a fishing site,

resting place for the boats, Doves and resting place for the boats, Doves and shipsships

• Waters of Sheedvar are feeding habitats Waters of Sheedvar are feeding habitats for green turtles for green turtles

• Very important nesting site for the birdsVery important nesting site for the birds

Shallow waters of Sheedvar Shallow waters of Sheedvar with reefs are suitable feeding with reefs are suitable feeding groundsgrounds

Feeding juvenile Green turtles Feeding juvenile Green turtles are usual in most partsare usual in most parts

Important hawksbill nesting Important hawksbill nesting sites in the Gulf, 2: Hendorabi sites in the Gulf, 2: Hendorabi IslandIsland• With an area of 22.8 With an area of 22.8

sq kmsq km• Only a few families live Only a few families live

there ( about 10)there ( about 10)

• Most part are rocky shores, Most part are rocky shores, but there are some small a but there are some small a large sandy beaches suitable large sandy beaches suitable for nesting in east, north east for nesting in east, north east and south and south

• Some tourism activities Some tourism activities supposed to be started?supposed to be started?

Important Hawksbill nesting Important Hawksbill nesting sites in the Gulf, 3: Nakhiloo sites in the Gulf, 3: Nakhiloo IslandIsland• With an area of 0.32 sq kmWith an area of 0.32 sq km• No one lives thereNo one lives there• All around the island has All around the island has

sandy beaches suitable for sandy beaches suitable for nesting of turtlesnesting of turtles

• Important site for the Important site for the nesting of bird nesting of bird species( species( sterna sppsterna spp))

• It is part of “Mond It is part of “Mond Protected Area” Protected Area”

• Important fishing site and Important fishing site and resting place for the resting place for the fishermenfishermen

Important Hawksbill nesting Important Hawksbill nesting sites in the Gulf, 4: sites in the Gulf, 4: Ommolkaram IslandOmmolkaram Island• With an area of about 0.4With an area of about 0.4

sq kmsq km• Not inhabited by humanNot inhabited by human• Most part of the shores, Most part of the shores,

specially north and south, specially north and south, are suitable for nesting are suitable for nesting

• Some occasional green Some occasional green turtle body pits indicates turtle body pits indicates nesting of this species toonesting of this species too

• Important fishing site and Important fishing site and resting place for the resting place for the fishermenfishermen

• It is part of “Mond It is part of “Mond Protected Area’ tooProtected Area’ too

Main nesting sites of Hawksbill Main nesting sites of Hawksbill turtles in Iranturtles in Iran

Other important site for Other important site for Hawksbill turtlesHawksbill turtlesQueshm Island:Queshm Island:• Largest Island in the area, Largest Island in the area,

about 1495 sq kmabout 1495 sq km• Some parts suitable for the Some parts suitable for the

nesting of the turtlesnesting of the turtles• It is important feeding It is important feeding

ground for the hawksbill ground for the hawksbill tootoo

• Its another importance is Its another importance is for the mangrove forestsfor the mangrove forests

• Under the control of Under the control of Qeshm Free Zone Area Qeshm Free Zone Area which had some works on which had some works on turtles too in the pat yearsturtles too in the pat years

• There are some small and There are some small and large villages and large villages and commercially important commercially important city in the Islandcity in the Island

Hengam Island:Hengam Island:• Adjacent to Quesh Island, Adjacent to Quesh Island,

with an area of 9.8 sq kmwith an area of 9.8 sq km• There re some small sandy There re some small sandy

beaches suitable for the beaches suitable for the nesting of turtles in east nesting of turtles in east and north westand north west

• It has feeding habitats for It has feeding habitats for the Green turtles toothe Green turtles too

• There are some small There are some small villages and a small town villages and a small town in the Islandin the Island

Results of studies of the sites, Results of studies of the sites, nesting Hawksbill Turtlesnesting Hawksbill Turtles

  

Number Number of of TurtlesTurtles

CCL CCL (cm)(cm)

CCW CCW (cm)(cm)

Weight Weight (kg)(kg) SiteSite The yearThe year

11 2323 7171 65.565.5 37.737.7 sheedvarsheedvar 20032003

22 1313 7171 64.8464.84 40.2940.29 sheedvarsheedvar 20042004

33 88 71.8771.87 64.564.5 39.3439.34 sheedvarsheedvar 20052005

44 1414 69.9169.91 64.564.5 39.4139.41 sheedvarsheedvar 20062006

55 1919 70.7270.72 6565 38.1338.13 NakhilooNakhiloo 20052005

66 99 72.1872.18 6666 41.5441.54 HendurabiHendurabi 20062006

77 1010 71.4971.49 62.2262.22 38.838.8OmmolkaraOmmolkaramm 20022002

Nesting HawksbillsNesting Hawksbills

Results of studies in the sites, Results of studies in the sites, nests of Hawksbill turtlesnests of Hawksbill turtles

   SiteSiteclutch clutch sizesize

normnormal al eggseggs

egg egg diameter diameter (mm)(mm)

egg egg weight weight (gr)(gr)

No. of No. of nestsnests

the the yearyear

11 sheedvarsheedvar 98.4298.42 64.7164.71 37.137.1 28.228.27 7 (30/clutch(30/clutch)) 20032003

22 sheedvarsheedvar 93.3393.33 71.6671.66 37.5637.56 29.0529.053 3 (15/clutch)(15/clutch) 20042004

33 sheedvarsheedvar 99.3399.33 8181 38.0838.08 30.330.36 6 (15/clutch)(15/clutch) 20052005

44 sheedvarsheedvar 98.1498.14 76.576.5 38.7438.74 32.1132.111414(15/(15/clutchclutch 20062006

55 hendurabihendurabi103.4103.4

55 82.882.8 38.2438.24 30.6230.62

9 9 (15/clutch)(15/clutch) 20062006

66 NakhilooNakhiloo 79.8379.83 71.571.5 38.8238.82 32.532.56 6 ( ( 15/clutch)15/clutch) 20052005

77OmmolkaraOmmolkaramm 93.693.6 79.179.1 37.6537.65 ------------------

6 6 ( all ( all eggs)eggs) 20022002

Results of studies in the sites, Results of studies in the sites, Hawksbill hatchlings Hawksbill hatchlings

   SiteSiteSCL SCL (mm)(mm)

CCL CCL (mm)(mm)

Weight Weight (gr)(gr)

No of No of NestsNests

11 SheedvarSheedvar 37.337.3 28.5428.54 12.0212.02 16(6-71)16(6-71)

22OmmolkaraOmmolkaramm 38.938.9 29.3529.35 12.9312.93 2 (12)2 (12)

33 HendurabiHendurabi 37.8337.83 30.7330.73 12.8512.852 (78 & 2 (78 & 57)57)

Hawksbill Hatchlings in the Hawksbill Hatchlings in the Sites Sites

Main activities on sea turtles in Main activities on sea turtles in the countrythe country• Sea turtle tagging program initiates for the Sea turtle tagging program initiates for the

first time in the country in 2005 by the kind first time in the country in 2005 by the kind help and support of MOU-IOSEA secretariat.help and support of MOU-IOSEA secretariat.

• Collecting of basic information on turtles Collecting of basic information on turtles like the nesting females, nests, eggs and like the nesting females, nests, eggs and hatchlings to cover the existing gaps hatchlings to cover the existing gaps

• We are planning to have “Beach cleaning We are planning to have “Beach cleaning up” project in some of the main sites up” project in some of the main sites through MOU-IOSEA programsthrough MOU-IOSEA programs

• planning to start conservation activities in planning to start conservation activities in some sites( looking for needed budget)some sites( looking for needed budget)

Results of tagging program in Results of tagging program in different sitesdifferent sites

   sitesite the yearthe yeartagged tagged

turtlesturtles days of staydays of stay

11 sheedvarsheedvar 20052005 88 33

22 sheedvarsheedvar 20062006 3838 2020

33 NakhilooNakhiloo 20052005 2424 33

44 HendurabiHendurabi 20062006 2929 44

55 othersothers 05 and 05 and

0606 1515

------------------------

TotalTotal       114114   

Nesting in important sites is Nesting in important sites is intensive/ considerable intensive/ considerable numbers of turtlesnumbers of turtles

Tagged Turtles in The SitesTagged Turtles in The Sites

Important Sites for Green Important Sites for Green TurtlesTurtles

• Oman Sea area has the most important Oman Sea area has the most important nesting and feeding grounds for the Green nesting and feeding grounds for the Green turtles in the countryturtles in the country

• Nesting of Green turtle recorded for the first Nesting of Green turtle recorded for the first time in Iran in 2003, in Cholotr (Mobaraki time in Iran in 2003, in Cholotr (Mobaraki 2004)2004)

• The main feeding grounds in the area also The main feeding grounds in the area also identified in the same study identified in the same study

• The nesting sites are very limited and in some The nesting sites are very limited and in some cases small beaches surrounded by cliffscases small beaches surrounded by cliffs

Nesting Green Turtle in Oman Nesting Green Turtle in Oman Sea Area, CholotrSea Area, Cholotr

Protection of Marine Protection of Marine Turtles in IranTurtles in Iran• Nomination of sea turtles as “Endangered Nomination of sea turtles as “Endangered

animals” of the countryanimals” of the country

• There was a fine of about 3,200,000 Rials for There was a fine of about 3,200,000 Rials for each killed turtle which doubled in the past year( each killed turtle which doubled in the past year( 6,400,000 Rials), about $US 700 6,400,000 Rials), about $US 700

• and also fine for egg collection, about $US 233 and also fine for egg collection, about $US 233 for each for each

• nominating of the nesting sites as" under nominating of the nesting sites as" under management and control Area" like Mond management and control Area" like Mond protected area and sheedvar wildlife refugeprotected area and sheedvar wildlife refuge

• Monitoring of the sites by DOE guardsMonitoring of the sites by DOE guards

Main Threatening Factors of Main Threatening Factors of sea Turtles in Iransea Turtles in Iran• In most parts of the nesting sites egg collection for traditional usage In most parts of the nesting sites egg collection for traditional usage

as well as aphrodisiac purposes is usualas well as aphrodisiac purposes is usual• In some parts turtles harvest for their meat for the same purposes In some parts turtles harvest for their meat for the same purposes

tootoo• Different kinds of pollutions are usual, like the debris, oil and light Different kinds of pollutions are usual, like the debris, oil and light • By catch in fishery activities is another important threat, as the By catch in fishery activities is another important threat, as the

turtle habitats are important fishing grounds tooturtle habitats are important fishing grounds too• Natural predators like the other parts of the world are usual, like the Natural predators like the other parts of the world are usual, like the

mammals, birds, crabs and insectsmammals, birds, crabs and insects• Density of the body pits in the small beaches prevent hatchlings to Density of the body pits in the small beaches prevent hatchlings to

reach the sea reach the sea • Mismanagement causes problems in some parts Mismanagement causes problems in some parts • Boat strike is usual and increasing in some partsBoat strike is usual and increasing in some parts• Different kinds of coastal area development is another threat for the Different kinds of coastal area development is another threat for the

nesting sites and turtles nesting sites and turtles • Other natural factors like the erosion is usual in most places, Other natural factors like the erosion is usual in most places,

specially in small beachesspecially in small beaches

Entangle in fishing netsEntangle in fishing nets

Dried Green Turtle EggsDried Green Turtle Eggs

Poached NestsPoached Nests

Different Kinds of ThreatDifferent Kinds of Threat

Erosion as a natural threatErosion as a natural threat

International, Regional and International, Regional and Multilateral cooperationMultilateral cooperation

• Iran as one of the signatory States of the Iran as one of the signatory States of the MOU-IOSEA is working together with other MOU-IOSEA is working together with other signatory states in related subjectssignatory states in related subjects

• Draft of MOU between Iran DOE and UAE Draft of MOU between Iran DOE and UAE Environmental Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), Environmental Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), for protection of Houbara and Sea turtles, for protection of Houbara and Sea turtles, is finalizing. Some cooperative works on is finalizing. Some cooperative works on turtles and their habitats were suggested turtles and their habitats were suggested (see the items). (see the items).

Annex for the MOU –DOE & Annex for the MOU –DOE & EADEAD• Both parties shall carry out studies and programs on the

conservation and management of sea turtles on:• Identification of the main nesting and feeding sites in the area• Study on the migration routes by tagging and satellite tracking (by

the help of MERC) as well as identification of possible shared populations.

• Establishment of rearing centers for hatchlings or nursery• Banning of any trade and use on sea turtle eggs in the region by

public awareness or suitable legal protection• Establishment of sub-regional agreements (MOU, working

groups. . .) and cooperation with similar international treaties(MOU IOSEA) for the conservation of sea turtles in the area.

• Conducting any studies for collecting any preliminary information needed for future conservational activities.

• DoE could provide nests (eggs) or hatchlings for the rearing centers or recovery programs in UAE.

• Considering that Dr Saif Al ghais had been the regional coordinator of Marineturtle Specialist group (MTSG), he could play essential role in anyexisting programs, too.

• Any other comments, changes and complete proposal will be negotiable in case of final agreement.

AcknowledgmentAcknowledgment

• I would like to extend my great thanks I would like to extend my great thanks to WWF office in UAE and EWS for to WWF office in UAE and EWS for holding the forum and kind supports.holding the forum and kind supports.

• I would like also to thank the I would like also to thank the coordinator of the Forum, Lisa Perry, coordinator of the Forum, Lisa Perry, and her colleagues for their very kind and her colleagues for their very kind and considerable helps and and considerable helps and cosiderations. cosiderations.