Terengganu’s leatherback turtles have returned – now comes the waiting

After a nine-year absence, leatherback turtles have returned to nest along the coast of Terengganu, bringing hope for the future of the ancient species. Since September 1, five nesting events have been recorded, resulting in a total of 313 eggs. The latest nesting occurred on October 10 at Pantai Rantau Abang, with a turtle laying 48 eggs and returning to the sea shortly after.

Fisheries department director-general Adnan Hussain announced the total count of eggs from these five landings to be 313. The first nesting was observed on September 1 at Pantai Pasir Putih in Marang, where 44 eggs were collected. State fisheries department director Pang Nyukang expressed optimism about the turtle's return, stating that it brings new hope for future generations to witness the existence of this ancient creature.

However, it is important to note that the nesting events may not represent five different turtles, as leatherbacks can return multiple times during the same nesting season. The eggs have been transferred to a controlled hatchery at the Rantau Abang Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) for monitoring and management to improve their chances of survival.

Conservationists are urging the public to follow guidelines and reduce lighting along the coastline during nesting season. The return of the leatherback turtles in Rantau Abang carries significant emotional weight, as the area was once renowned for its turtle sightings, but nesting numbers collapsed over the decades, leading to a decline in turtle-watching tourism.