{
  "id": 9086000,
  "title": "Leatherback makes third Terengganu landing this month, lays 70 eggs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/leatherback-makes-third-terengganu-landing-this-month-lays-70-eggs-9086000",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-22T04:35:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/22/leatherback-makes-third-terengganu-landing-this-month-lays-70-eggs/236072"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In September 2023, Malaysia's Department of Fisheries recorded three instances of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) laying eggs along the coast of Terengganu, resulting in the protection of 195 eggs. Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain emphasized the significance of these records for monitoring the species' nesting behavior and safeguarding the eggs to boost their survival prospects. The first landing occurred on September 1 at Pasir Putih Beach, Marang, with 44 eggs, followed by 81 eggs at Rantau Abang Beach on September 13 and 70 eggs at Kuala Abang Beach on September 22.\n\nConservation officers successfully identified and measured the nesting mother turtle during the final landing at Kuala Abang Beach around 2:00 AM. The turtle measured 215 centimeters in length and 115 centimeters in width. Upon completing the egg collection, staff relocated the 70 eggs to the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre's incubation site at approximately 6:00 AM and buried them in a depth of 80-100 centimeters to replicate natural nesting conditions. The incubation period for the eggs is projected to last between 55 and 70 days, contingent on sand temperature, with staff conducting regular monitoring of the nest's progress.\n\nAdnan stressed the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, encompassing scientific monitoring, nest management, law enforcement, public awareness, and the involvement of local communities and fishermen. He implored the public to refrain from disturbing or touching sea turtles onshore, urging them instead to report any sightings to the Department of Fisheries for appropriate action. Under the Terengganu Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021), penalties for offenses involving possessing or selling turtle eggs or harassing turtles range from RM50,000 to RM250,000 in fines, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, upon conviction. The department also encouraged fishing communities, local residents, and the general public to report any sea turtle landings or sightings to aid in timely protection and conservation measures.",
  "summary": "KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 22 — The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF), through the Rantau Abang Turtle and Marine...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Three leatherback landings in Terengganu a positive sign for conservation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/three-leatherback-landings-in-terengganu-a-positive-sign-for",
        "published": "2026-09-22T04:31:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Leatherback makes third Terengganu landing this month, lays 70 eggs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/leatherback-makes-third-terengganu-landing-this-month-lays-70-eggs",
        "published": "2026-09-22T04:35:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}