Ascension : Ascension Island Conservation Department
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 14.01.2010 (Article Archived on 28.01.2010)
Green Turtles on Ascension Island Green turtle harvesting
The Ascension Island green turtle (Chelonia mydas) population is the second largest in the Atlantic Ocean, with an estimated 4000 females nesting each year. However, the population is still estimated to be less than half the size it was prior to their harvest from the 16th Century, up until the 1940’s. When turtles came ashore to lay their eggs they were easily captured and stored in the Turtle Ponds. The ponds can still be seen in Georgetown at the end of Long Beach. The turtles were taken on board ships and kept alive until needed for food. Turtles were an important source of fresh meat for the ships passing through Ascension. Their harvest was stopped when it was no longer commercially viable. Today this nearly extinct species are protected under local and international law and are important for different reasons. Much scientific research is taking place into their behaviour and their migration route.
Migration route
The green turtles, both male and female, migrate from Brazil to Ascension. At 3-4 year intervals individuals swim a total distance of more than 2000 km across South Atlantic. It is not currently known why the turtles lay their eggs on this small island or how they succeed in finding such a tiny plot of land in the ocean. Individuals have been tagged and marked and it has been found that individuals return to the Island year after year. The turtle’s impressive size helps them to cope with the migration and the huge waves surrounding the shores of Ascension. The green turtles are the largest of their species, each weighing up to 250 kg. There are a number of theories regarding the turtle’s ability to take this migration route each year. One theory states that this migrating route dates back to million of years ago and has been developed when South America was detached from the African continent. Nevertheless, it is said to have remained deeply anchored in the memory of the turtles. Other scientists are of the opinion that they follow oceanic currents. However, their instinct must have been acutely developed to distance them from their native grounds for a 4000 km round trip without any food.
Every year, the basic estimate is that 3000 to 5000 female green turtles lay their eggs on the beaches of Ascension. This is a representative of the biggest colonies in the Atlantic Ocean.
Next week: More information about the nesting Green Turtle on Ascension.
Dead fish
It has been found that large numbers of dead fish have been washed up on to the beaches from NE Bay to Porpoise Point. This area is being monitored regularly. We are in the process of collecting fish and sending samples back to the UK for analyses. If there are any more sighting of dead fish washing up on beaches could you please inform a member of the Conservation staff. Thank you.
Volunteers welcome. Please contact Olivia Renshaw or Natasha Williams. Ascension Island Conservation Department. Georgetown. Tel: 6359. Email: olivia.renshaw@ascension.gov.ac
natasha.williams@ascension.gov.ac
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