A PRELIMINARY community and resort survey has determined that 18 islands in the Mamanuca Group are common nesting beaches for hawksbill and green turtles.
This, according to the Mamanuca Environment Society which also confirmed the turtle nesting period began last month.
MES project manager Marica Vakacola said this was done through a United Nations Development Programme and Global Environment Facility Small Grant Program Mamanuca Sea Turtle Conservation Project.
The survey also uncovered 20 common feeding grounds.
She added they were fortunate to report a rare observation of a hawksbill turtle hatchling at uninhabited Monuriki Island a few weeks ago.
“We guided the hatchling to sea by allowing it to crawl naturally to sea,” said MES member Emosi Lasaqa.
“This practice will enhance maximum information gathering of the beach that promotes more nesting on the same beach during the adult stage in the future.”
