SOS 2010 Campaign Report (EN)

8/6/2019 SOS 2010 Campaign Report (EN)

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SOS TARTARUGAS

2010 CAMPAIGN REPORT

PREPARED BYJacquie Cozens

[email protected] : + 238 974 5020

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance and support of the followinginstitutions, businesses and individuals

Cmara Municipal do Sal, the National Police, Maritime Police & the Armed Forces. DGA, INDP, CmaraMunicipal do Ribeira Brava and all our colleagues from the Capeverdian Sea Turtle Network. The staff ofScubaCaribe and the beach staff of the RIU for your help with the management of the hatchery. All oursponsors big and small and in particular the MTCA.Cape Verde Imports for trouble-free shipping, Ao Caranguejo for all the delicious pizzas, Overboard forkeeping our electronic equipment sand free, Manta Diving Centre for offering Rangers discounted divingand all the water-based businesses that assisted with our in-water study. Garantia for insuring our vehicles.

The residents and businesses of Sal and all the wonderful visitors who accompanied us on a turtle walk oradopted a turtle. Without your generosity and positive energy our work would be impossible and much lessrewarding.The regular expatriate beach cleaners we dont know why you enjoy it so much but were glad you do!Francesco and Deborah Massa who allow us to invade their beautiful home each summer, Turtle Housemust surely be the best volunteer accommodation anywhere in the world!Finally, the project would not function without the hard-working full time and part time Rangers andvolunteers who come from many countries and backgrounds but are united in their dedication to protectturtles in Cabo Verde.


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SOS Tartarugas Report 2010 Page 2 of 33

CONTENTSPage

Highlights 3Summary 5Conclusions and Recommendations 7Project Goals and Activities 9Detailed Results

Objective 1 Prevent turtles being killed on nesting beaches 10Objective 2 Protection of habitat 12

1. Degradation of beaches by vehicles2. Light Pollution3. Threats from tourism4. Sand removal5. Pollution and environmental hazards6. Marine turtles in captivity7. Other threats

Objective 3 Recruitment to the Population (Increase number of turtlesentering the sea) 18

Objective 4 Contribute to the scientific understanding of turtles inCabo Verde 21

Objective 5 Increase awareness of turtle conservation amongstresidents, visitors and businesses. Engage the localpopulation in turtle conservation. 231. Media Campaign2. Outreach Activities3. Diagnostic Study4. Tourism

Objective 6 Increase capacity for turtle conservation on other islands. 25

Analysis of project expenditure 25

Planned Activities for 2011 27

AppendicesAppendix One Map Of Patrolled Beaches Sal Island 28Appendix Two Map Of Unpatrolled Beaches Sal Island 29Appendix Three Programme of Workshop held in Sal 30Appendix Four Abstracts Of Published Papers & Scientific Studies 31Appendix Five Abstracts Of Reports of Visits to Fogo & So Nicolau 33


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HIGHLIGHTSNB ALL DATA QUOTED IS PRELIMINARY AND MAY BE REVISED

1760 tracks, 566 nests. This represents a 63% increase compared to 2008 and a54% decrease compared to 2009.

120 turtles tagged on Sal.

8 turtles killed on protected beaches 35 turtles killed on unprotected beaches (16.67% of emergences compared to

14.26% in 2009).

81% of turtles killed were killed on unprotected beaches. Problem areas for killingof turtles identified as Mont Leo (34.88%) and northern beaches (39.53%).

9 turtles saved through direct intervention by SOS Tartarugas

Around 10 arrests on Sal for killing or eating turtles. Insufficient penalties resultedin repeat offenders killing several times during the season.

8% decline in nesting on Algodoeiro due to construction work (deterioration in

beach, lighting, noise)

Average hatching success in situ 81%. Average hatching success main hatchery75%. Average hatching success Surf Beach hatchery 64%.

42,705 hatchlings born on Sal (On beaches 37,038, 1,175 Surf Beach Hatchery &4,492 Main Hatchery)

Severe problems with predation by dogs on Algodoeiro for the first time (increase inhuman / canine presence)

First workshop for conservationists from community projects from other islands.Subjects included fieldwork, fundraising and outreach.

Workshops held for policemen, soldiers, fishermen, tourism students andvolunteers.

Environmental education visits to kindergartens and school visits to hatcheries forchildren and teachers in conjunction with CMS & Peace Corps.

Diagnostic study on community involvement undertaken in conjunction withCmara Municipal do Sal and INDP.

Media campaign featuring SOS Tartarugas on national and local television andradio.

VIP visits to nesting beaches for business owners, travel agents, tour operators,hotel owners.

Support given to turtle conservation programmes in Santiago, Fogo, Santo Anto,So Vicente and So Nicolau.

Successful ecotourism programme encompassing turtle watching, public releases,hatchery visits and adoptions. 44% of visitors to turtle nesting beaches were British& Irish. Disturbance to turtles caused by untrained guides points to need for controland licensing.

Driving on beaches reduced until September. Areas with very high vehicle useinclude the southern part of Costa Fragata (individuals on quads) and Algodoeiro in

front of Tortuga Beach (construction traffic) and Paradise Beach (quad tours andconstruction traffic) where beaches are becoming very degraded. A new tour


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operator was seen driving on Serra Negra and continues to do so despite severalpromises not to and a police warning.

Other threats included heavy rains and pollution and rubbish on beach.

Five beach cleans undertaken on Costa Fragata & Serra Negra. Lack of vehiclesfrom Cmara Municipal & SOS Tartarugas caused problems removing the rubbishcollected.

Scientific studies undertaken

o Temperature study of beaches and hatcheries

o Impact of foot traffic on hatchling emergence in hatcheries

o The effect of water inundation on nests in Serra Negra

o In water study of turtles found off the coast of Sal

Three scientific papers published

o The effects of tourism, beachfront development and increased light pollutionon nesting loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) on Sal Island, Cape Verde:

2008- 2010o Nesting activity of the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) on Maio

island, Cape Verdeo The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) on Sal Island, Cape Verde:

nesting activity and beach surveillance in 2009

Participated in second annual meeting of Taola, the Capeverdian Sea TurtleNetwork in Boa Vista.

Participated in INDP Seminario conservao das TM na zona de Barlavento(Conservation Seminar for Marine Turtles in the Barlavento Zone) in So Vicente.

Figure 1 Taola Conference Delegates


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SUMMARY

2010 was a successful year in terms of the primary objective the mortality of nestingturtles on protected beaches was very low. However it is obvious that there is an urgentneed to patrol more northerly beaches, in particular, Mont Leo on which 15 turtles nestedand 15 turtles were killed.

However, the most urgent conservation problem is the disruption and loss of habitat onAlgodoeiro, especially in front of the Resort Group constructions, Tortuga Beach & Dunasresort where nesting has declined by half compared to 2008. A recent study has shownthat this population has genetic differences to the turtles nesting on the east coast of Sal,causing even more concern.

We anticipate issues arising from lighting and beach furniture that will necessitate therelocation of all nests in these areas, a time-consuming, expensive and unsatisfactorysolution.

A lack of will to prosecute once more hampered conservation efforts, with repeat

offenders arrested and released immediately, only to return to the beach to kill anotherturtle. In addition, many infringements such as beachfront lighting, driving on beaches,sand removal and direct interference with turtles were seen, with no consequences for theoffenders.

Without a doubt the biggest threat on Sal is no longer hunting of turtles, but beachfrontdevelopment, with 40% of nests recording some degree of disturbance from lights fromdevelopments, hotels, bars or residences. This ranged from a few going inland to entirenests lost. In some areas such as Algodoeiro (in front of Tortuga Beach/Resort Group)and Surf Beach (Praia Antonio de Sousa) the only solution was to relocate ALL nests tothe hatcheries, a situation that is less than ideal. A limited amount of success wasachieved with some construction sites switching off some lights and residences allowingus to install red filters. This issue needs to be addressed further both in terms of outreachand legislation.

A study was undertaken in conjunction with INDP & Cmara Municipal do Sal todetermine the populations opinions and understanding of turtle conservation. It is clearthat a proportion of the population do not understand or do not care about the need toprotect turtles and turtle habitat and changing this attitude is the only sustainable wayforward.

As in previous years, the highest proportion of nests was on Serra Negra and CostaFragata with Algodoeiro in third place.


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Figure 2 Location of nests Sal island 2010

Serra Negra accounts for 33% of nests and has large areas that are completely washed

over by high tides, consequently a high proportion of nests need to be relocated. Ifsecurity was not an issue, this would be an ideal place for a hatchery. One solution forSerra Negra would be a semi-permanent camp for both soldiers and Rangers that wouldbe suitable for schools, community groups and tourists to visit.

Closer to Santa Maria, once again, 12% of nests were located in the southern section ofCosta Fragata (Ponta Jelonga) a wide beach with minimal light disturbance. The mainproblem on this beach is vehicles, which not only compact the sand but also causes rutswhich hatchlings follow instead of turning towards the sea. Although no quad tours usethis route any more, current signposting is not sufficient to deter individuals. More work isalso needed to make sure that tourists and residents are aware of the restrictions.

Another area of note is Surf Beach (Praia Antonio de Sousa) which saw a decrease innesting due to the expansion of a beach bar using extremely bright lights. Several nestswere disrupted late in the season by a stage being built on the beach on top of the nests.

The weather in 2010 also presented some difficulties, with many areas being washedaway during the heavy rains, particularly in Serra Negra and on Algodoeiro.

The second meeting of the Capeverdian Sea Turtle Network (CVSTN) was held in BoaVista in June 2010. The coalition was renamed Taola.

Our tourism programme was once more a great success, helping to fund patrols andcommunity work as well as being a platform for encouraging active participation in turtleconservation. Several other guides were present on the beach during the peak season,often causing considerable disturbance, through restraining the turtle, interrupting nesting,walking on tracks and nests and use of torches and flash photography. This kind ofactivity is likely to increase and there is a need for training, control and licensing in orderto minimise disturbance to the turtles.


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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2011

Overall objectives for 2010 remain the same, with the priority of minimising mortalityamongst nesting turtles, but in 2011 there will be more emphasis on social and communityprogrammes to engage the population, both Capeverdian and expatriate.

Stronger penalties including custodial sentences for those convicted of killing turtles will

act as a deterrent and demonstrate the seriousness with which the authorities view thiscrime. We also recommend turtle community service for offenders, for example, assistingwith beach clean ups, attending school visits, undertaking night patrols.

We believe that clarification of laws relating to turtles and turtle habitat is needed as wellas a better understanding of who is able to enforce the law. Even amongst the judiciarythere is confusion and misunderstanding.

We will also continue outreachand educational activities, astrategy that achieves results

more slowly, but is critical for thelong-term cessation of hunting ofturtles. This will include acommunity programme for Saldeveloped in conjunction withINDP. The programme will bedesigned to find ways in which tomotivate and engage thepopulation in turtle conservationand environmental awareness.

In order to protect nesting habitat and minimise beachfront lighting, more outreachincluding clarification and implementation of the laws covering driving on beaches,removal of sand and lighting disturbances is required. At present there are rarely anyconsequences for infringements. Increased signposting and information boards onbeaches with the authority of the DGA and Camara Municipal would be a great help.

We would like to investigate ways in which SOS Tartarugas could assist withEnvironmental Impact Assessments during the planning process.

A solution needs to be found for the nests that are laid on Algodoeiro since no nests can

remain there in current conditions. The obvious answer would be a hatchery but there is alack of suitable areas due to a combination of deterioration of sand from construction workand a tendency to flood.

Until there is enforcement of the law it will be impossible to protect nests on Algodoeiroand impossible to preserve this as a nesting beach.


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We strongly recommend limiting the number of tours permitted on nesting beaches atnight in order to minimise disruption of nesting. This is particularly important onAlgodoeiro since the areas for turtles to nest is vastly reduced. A proposal for regulationhas been submitted to the Cmara Municipal do Sal.

We believe that intensive monitoring on Mont Leo is necessary and have proposed theestablishment of a semi-permanent camp.

We will continue to support campaigns on other islands with our colleagues from Taola,supplying training, technical support and equipment as necessary.

Figure 3 Sr Antero Alfama adopts the first hatchery nest on behalf of Cmara Municipal do Sal


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Project Goals 2010

Establish sustainable turtle conservation programme Stimulate and facilitate turtle conservation activities within Cabo Verde

Project Activities

Recruitment, training and employment of Wildlife Rangers.Wildlife Rangers were involved in the project for varying periods from June 1st untilDecember 8th. Rangers were responsible for patrolling beaches at night andduring the day, relocating nests to the hatchery and conducting guided walks onnesting beaches as well as being involved in outreach activities. Many more part-time Rangers and volunteers from the community also participated. For the firsttime we accepted paying volunteers into the project. These volunteers participatedfor three weeks or less and were responsible for their own expenses.

Protection of nesting turtles

Beach patrols every night from 9pm 5am by pairs of Rangers or volunteers inconjunction with the armed forces.

Protection of habitatIncluding education, outreach and signage regarding light disturbance and drivingon beaches as well as monthly beach cleaning activities.

Protection of nestsDaily morning patrols were undertaken and 185 doomed nests were relocated totwo hatcheries.

EcotourismVisitors and residents were offered night-time guided walks on nesting beachesand participation in morning patrols. Daily talks were given on turtle conservationand other environmental issues at the hatcheries. We operated an adoptionprogramme for both hatchlings and adult turtles.

Research and scientific studiesA daily census of main nesting beaches as well as several counts of northernbeaches on Sal was undertaken.

Outreach and community activityThis included schools visits, radio and television interviews and visits to nestingbeaches and hatcheries by children, business owners, police officers andemigrants.

Support for other projectsTechnical advice, equipment and training were given to other projects in SoNicolau, Fogo and So Vicente in conjunction with INDP & funded by MTCA. Atraining workshop for community conservation will be held on Sal in July 2011.


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Objective 1 - Prevent turtles being killed on nesting beaches

Target: Reduction in mortality compared with 2009Method: Full-time and part-time Rangers were employed to patrol beaches throughoutthe night from June 1 to October 30. The Rangers were supported on the beach bysoldiers.

Results: Total number of turtles killed on Sal was 43.Of the 1,547 emergences 43 turtles were killed (2.46%) compared to 2.5% in 2009.The percentage of turtles killed on patrolled beaches declined

Totalemergences

Killed Deaths as %of

emergences2010

Deaths as% of

emergences2009

Deaths as% of

emergences2008

Patrolledbeaches

1,547 8 0.52% 0.48% 1.71%

Unpatrolled

beaches

210 35 16.67% 14.26% 11.48%

From the table above it can be seen that hunters are moving from patrolled beaches tounpatrolled beaches where they have more chance of success.

In this context the beach that is most significant is Mont Leo. This beach has easyaccess and although it has a low number of nesting turtles, hunters are more likely tobe successful as patrols by soldiers and SOS Tartarugas are limited. Anotherconcern is that more turtles will head north to this beach after trying unsuccessfully tonest on Algodoeiro.

Figure 4 Location of turtles killed on Sal 2010


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Once again, Rangers and soldiers were able to directly intervene to save turtles, thisyear 9 turtles were saved in this way.

It is absolutely apparent that the most effective method of patrolling involves bothRangers and soldiers being present on the beach.

Once again the National Police responded positively to every instance of Rangers

needing assistance on the beach. They were, however, hampered many times by nothaving transport available to come to our assistance. This situation has beenimproved lately with a new 4WD truck, two quad bikes and a new police station.

Recommendations & Activities1. Stronger penalties including custodial sentences for those convicted of killing

turtles may act as a deterrent. Community service spent working with turtles mayalso held in the re-education process.

2. Semi-permanent camps at Serra Negra and Mont Leo that allow the possibility ofovernight camping for Rangers and occasional tourists.

3. Soldiers always positioned at the northern end of Algodoeiro.4. Increased support for the armed forces in order to ensure their presence on the

beaches throughout the entire season.5. More training and support for soldiers to engage them further in turtle conservation.

A proposal for an intensive workshop for soldiers has been discussed with theCommandante of the Armed Forces.

6. As a result of the Diagnostic Study undertaken by INDP a communication plan hasbeen drafted. Two Education and Outreach Specialists will be employed during thesummer to deliver a concentrated outreach programme amongst schools, youthand other groups, fishermen, outlying communities and the population in general.


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Objective 2 Protection of habitat

1. Degradation of beaches by vehiclesTargets: Increase signposting on beaches in conjunction with Camara Municipal doSal. Increase awareness amongst residents and visitors that driving on beaches isprohibited.Results:

SOS were able to place new notice boards on Costa Fragata, Ponta Preta andclose to the RIU hotel, however, a way of making the notice boards moredurable is needed. In all cases, the notice boards were subject to vandalism atvarious times. Materials were distributed to all hotels and car and quad rentalcompanies

The Cmara Municipal have signposts for each beach but were unable to placethese on the beaches.

Once again the majority of tour companies complied with regulations. One new operator, Cabo Verde Explorer which operates from the Criola hotel

persistently drove on SerraNegra, causing compaction

and ruts which affected nestson Bay 1 and Bay 2. Thiscontinues despite severalnegotiations (includingoffering to provide guides freeof charge). A police reportwas made in January.

On Algodoeiro there wasmuch more vehicle use,particularly of constructiontraffic. Signposts and rock

barriers placed by SOS were removed several times by construction workersand both taxis and quad/buggy tours used the area in front of the ParadiseBeach fence. A great deal of this part of the beach is now unusable for turtlesas it is too hard to dig nests. In front of Tortuga and slightly to the northmassive disruption was caused by heavy lorries, the laying of pipes and otherwork, resulting, once again, in hatchlings dying in ditches and following deepruts until they dehydrated.

There was a large amount of traffic seen on Praia Antonio Sousa including pickups used by illegal buzio harvesters, quad bikes used by the windsurf centresand in particular Orca dive centre who drove their pick up to the waters edge

every day rather than carry equipment off the beach. The sand on this beach isnow almost completely unsuitable for nesting, particularly after the largeconcrete constructions used for the windsurf festival late in the season.

Figure 6 Orca dive centre Praia Antonio de Sousa

Figure 5 Cabo Verde Explorer on Serra Negra


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2. Light PollutionTargets: Reduce the amount of lighting on beaches, particularly on constructionsites and other businesses on Algodoeiro and the residential area of Praia Antoniode Sousa.Method: Inform beachfront developers, residents and businesses of thedisturbance to turtles caused by over-lighting. Facilitate the installation of filters,

red bulbs, redirection or removal of problematic lights.Results: We continued to distribute leaflets and information amongst businesses,

residences and hotels highlighting the problem and suggesting a few simplechanges to help reduce disturbance.

Unfortunately the lack of enforcements of regulations or even interest in thisissue is resulting in lighting increasing not decreasing. With permission nowgiven for lit walkways all the way down Algodoeiro in front of the newdevelopments it seems there is little hope for any improvement.

In Santa Maria the situation is similar with an officially sanctioned project toprovide stadium style floodlights along the entire beach and the pier underway.

Festival organisers were given permission to erect stages and put up massivelights on nesting beaches with nests still in situ. This festival on Praia AntonioSousa in November caused the loss of two nests, one of which narrowly

missed having a concrete post driven through the egg chamber.

Figure 8 Windsurf Festival Praia Antonio Sousa

Figure 7 New lighting Santa Maria beach and pier


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3. Threats from tourismAs the popularity of turtle walks increases so does the number of taxi and pick updrivers willing to take visitors on the beaches at night. Unfortunately problemsfrequently arose resulting in disturbance to nesting turtles and destruction of nestsand tracks.

In addition, the encroachment of bars and restaurants is decreasing the amount ofbeach available for turtles to nest.

Praia Antonio de Sousa, the last suitable nesting beach in Santa Maria hasincreasing amounts of beach furniture and permanently sited umbrellas and thebeach bars themselves are expanding further towards the shoreline. With thiscomes increased lighting. This is reflected in a sudden drop in the number of nestson this beach during 2010.

Figure 9 Praia Antonio deSousa beach clubs

On Algodoeiro there are plans for a beach club in front of Tortuga Beach/ResortGroup which will severely inhibit nesting as it will be a short distance from thewater.

Plans for a lit walkway on Algodoeiro will have the same effect.

Figure 10 Lighting and beachfurniture Santa Maria beach


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During the life of the project there is a clear trend towards reduced nesting onAlgodoeiro, particularly in front of the two main construction sites Paradise Beach(PB) and Tortuga Beach/Resort Group (AL).

Tendncias de nidificao na Ilha do Sal 2008-2010

0%

5%

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25%

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35%

SN KB Q F PJ PA SB PO H PS RIU RD RE AL PB BB IB

%DototalemNinhodeSal

2008

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aumenter

diminuir

aumenter

Figure 11 Diminishing percentage of nests on Algodoeiro

Disruption to nesting through lighting also contributed to a higher than usual ratio of falsecrawls and nesting attempts on the beach in front of The Resort Group development ofTortuga Beach (AL).

This decline has potentially serious consequences: Turtles may be forced to choose inappropriate nesting areas that have a lower

hatching success rate. The loss of genetic diversity (a study has shown turtles nesting on the west coast of

Sal have genetic differences to those nesting on the east coast) Turtles will travel further north to find beaches free of lighting and be at risk of being

killed by hunters on unpatrolled beaches such as Mont Leo.

For a more detailed analysis please see Appendix Four: The effects of tourism, beachfrontdevelopment and increased light pollution on nesting loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) on

Sal Island, Cape Verde: 2008- 2010

Figure 12 Development of Algodoeiro


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4. Sand RemovalRemoval of sand has not been a big problem as in previous years.

5. Pollution and environmental hazardsOnce again debris on beaches, particularly on Costa Fragata and Serra Negracaused problems for the turtles. The biggest issue is the amount of discarded

fishing net and line which caused entanglement and death for hatchlings. There isalso a significant amount of plastic and glass creating a hazardous environment forRangers. Several beach clean ups were undertaken throughout the season.

6. Marine turtles in captivityTo our knowledge no other turtles are on public display on Sal. Although someindividuals still keep hatchlings in their home a number were persuaded to returnthem to the sea. A very deformed olive ridley turtle was brought to us whichcaused speculation as to whether it had been kept in captivity. Unfortunately it wasnot able to swim and had suffered the loss of two flippers and was euthanised by aveterinarian.

Figure 13 Turtle found floating off Santa Maria

7. Other threats Removal of eggs from nests was insignificant on Sal. A new problem arose with the increase of construction workers living on site on

Algodoeiro, that of dogs. Towards the end of the season almost all nests weresubject to predation by dogs particularly in the area in front of Tortuga Beach &Paradise Beach, generally they were disturbed three or four days before theestimated hatch date. 37% of nests in this area were predated. Thisnecessitated a radical solution and remaining nests were removed from the

beach 10 days before the due date and relocated on another beach. All ofthese nests hatched successfully.


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Rain caused significant problems this year, with an unknown number of nestswashed away particularly in Serra Negra and in areas of Algodoeiro. Channelsdug by constructors to drain away water from site also destroyed several nests.

Natural erosion and wave action combined with the rain also caused nests tobe partially uncovered or washed away on both sides of the RIU hotel. Eggsfrom some of these nests were recovered by tourists, staff from ScubaCaribeand Rangers and were successfully incubated in the hatchery.

In addition there is noticeable man-made erosion of sand and lack of renewalfrom the east coast in the area in front of Paradise Beach and Tortuga. Thishas resulted in more rocky areas appearing on the shoreline and thedisappearance of the small dunes favoured by turtles for nesting.

Recommendations Clarification and implementation of the laws covering driving on beaches,

removal of sand and lighting disturbances and their communication topersistent offenders. At the moment these laws are not taken seriously asthere are rarely any consequences.

Increase signposting, preferably in conjunction with the Camara Municipal and

other authorities in order to increase credibility. Find ways in which to engage the Capeverdian population in activities such as

beach cleaning and raise awareness of problems with litter and pollution. Improvements could be made in follow up and outreach with hotels and quad

companies during the season. Further distribution of information about lights is necessary and information

needs to be produced in Italian. Further negotiation with businesses and residents around Praia Antonio de

Sousa and other areas of Santa Maria. In depth discussions with developers on Algodoeiro regarding lighting

specification and other ways in which they and their clients can participate in

turtle conservation is necessary.


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Objective 3 Recruitment to the population (increase number of turtles enteringthe sea)

Target: Relocate doomed nests and match hatching success rates achieved in thehatchery in 2008. Monitoring of in situnests to improve chances of emergence andentry to the sea.

Method: Relocation of endangered nests from beaches to two hatcheries and moresuitable areas on the beach during morning and night time patrols. Monitoring andexcavation of nests both in the hatchery and in situ. Undertake a study to determinefactors affecting hatching success.

Results: In total 185 nests were relocated either to the hatcheries or different parts of the

beach. Two hatcheries were operated, one on the Ponta Preta (76 nests) and the other on

Praia Antonio de Sousa Surf Beach (24 nests). 51% of in situ nests were excavated for analysis of incubation period, hatching

success and other data. 100 nests were excavated in the hatcheries, giving a totalof 343 in situnests or 60% of all nests.

Hatching success on the beach remained the same with trans situ(nests relocatedto other parts of the beach) improving. Hatching success in both hatcheriesdeclined slightly. This was probably due to significant amounts of rain duringcritical periods.

Figure 14 Hatching success 2008-2010


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More detailed analysis shows that Paradise Beach, one of the areas heavilyaffected by construction has the highest hatching success anywhere on Sal. Bycontrast Bay 3 at Serra Negra has a low success rate, mainly due to a tendency toflood.

Figure 15 Comparison of hatch success on different beaches

If at all possible, nests were left in the original location and overall the number ofneststhat required relocation was 32%, a 3% increase on 2009. However in some areas therate was much higher due to specific problems.

Figure 16 Percentage of nests requiring relocation on Sal 2010


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On Algodoeiro of the 65 nests that required relocation, 43 (66%) of these were necessarydue to light pollution.

Figure 17 Number of nests moved due to light pollution

Recommendations Construction of new hatchery on Algodoeiro may be necessary since all nests will

require relocation. Continued analysis of temperature and conditions in the hatchery to maintain

success rate and preserve natural sex ratio of hatchlings.


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Objective 4 Contribute to the scientific understanding of loggerheads in CaboVerdeTarget: Collect data from main nesting beaches daily and analyse for informationincluding size of turtles, inter-nesting period, clutch size, incubation time and hatchingsuccess. Tag as many turtles as possible without disturbing nesting. Excavate andanalyse hatchery and in situnests. Share information with interested parties.Method: Patrols were undertaken from 9pm-5am and from 6am-10am from June 4th to

October 17th

2010. From 15th

August until 8th

December afternoon patrols were alsoundertaken to monitor hatching in situnests. Surveys of northern beaches were made,weather and transport permitting.Results: An increase in nesting compared to 2008 but a decrease compared to 2009.

Tracks/Rastos 2008/2009/2010

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Figure 18 Tracks observed on Sal 2008-2010

Ninhos/Nests 2008/2009/2010

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Figure 19 Nests observed on Sal 2008-2010

120 turtles were tagged. Of these 7 turtles had been tagged previously

Number Notes

Turtles tagged by SOS in 2008 2

Turtles tagged by TurtleFoundation Boa Vista

2 1 seen and one found dead atMont Leo

Pit tag only 1 Not able to traceUnknown tags 2 Not able to trace


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One turtle tagged by SOS in 2010 was seen nesting on Boa Vista. We continued a temperature study to compare nests in the hatchery with those

left in situ. The purpose is to track incubation time and any likely effect on naturalsex ratio of hatchlings.

An inundation study was undertaken at Serra Negra. A study was conducted in the hatcheries to assess whether the vibration caused

by people walking around the nests affected whether hatchlings emerged in a

burst or trickles. In conjunction with leisure craft owners in Santa Maria data was collected on

turtles seen in the water from June November. An analysis of the link between turtle emergences, moon phase and tides was

made. Supported a genetic study made by Dr. Christophe Eizaguirre from the Leibniz

Institute for Marine Sciences (IFM Geomar) Two scientific papers published. Data was sent to the Camara Municipal do Sal on a bi-weekly basis and

information was shared with other partners from Taola.


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Objective 5 Increase awareness of turtle conservation amongst residents,visitors and businesses. Engage the local population in turtle conservation.Method: Work in conjunction with the Cmara Muncipal do Sal and other groups todisseminate information about turtles and the environment via press and radio, events,visits to the hatchery and nesting beaches and meetings with groups and schools.

1. Media Campaign

Conference to present results from previous years held at Cmara Municipal inJune.

Participation in discussions on national radio Television interviews. Press interviews.

2. Outreach activities Public presentation of campaign results 2008 & 2009 held in conjunction with

Cmara Municipal June 2010 Workshops for armed forces Workshops for police in conjunction with DGA

Beach event with scouting group School visits in Santa Maria and Espargos Football coaching in Espargos Public release of hatchlings Hatchery visits from members of the Cmara Municipal & other institutions Public releases of adult turtles Beach cleans at Serra Negra, Costa Fragata and Santa Maria Participation in community action day in Santa Maria Participation in Youth Week in conjunction with Cmara Municipal do Sal Volunteer events and training Meetings with local guides who organise turtle watch tours to give information

about turtle conservation, the CMS/SOS campaign and how to minimisedisturbance to turtles when guiding groups on the beach.

Visits to hotels and businesses in Santa Maria and Espargos to give informationabout the campaign.

Figure 20 Football coaching Espargos3. Diagnostic Study

In conjunction with INDP & Cmara Municipal do Sal a diagnostic study wasconducted on Sal island to determine the level of knowledge and participation ofresidents. The study has resulted in the development of a communication plan thatwill be implemented in 2011. The study recommended the formation of a steering

group for turtle conservation on Sal.


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4. TourismSOS raised awareness and received donations from visitors to Sal in the followingways Night time visits to turtle nesting beaches from 28th June to 29th Sept Symbolic adoptions of turtle hatchlings & nests Public excavations of nests

Public releases of hatchlingsA small number of tourists also participated in the programme as volunteers for partof their holiday, taking part in every aspect from night patrols to working in thehatchery. This was a great success and was the prelude to SOS Tartarugasoffering this kind of programme as part of a pre-booked holiday package inconjunction with tour operators in key markets.Tours were conducted on both Algodoeiro (west coast) and Costa Fragata (east)and occasionally at Serra Negra.

Recommendations

A specialist team will be employed to focus on community involvement and thedispersal of information.

A steering group will be formed. More workshops should be held for community groups and for law enforcement

officers and the military. More explanation of the environmental laws relating to turtle and habitat protection

is required, as well as the enforcement of these laws and penalties. Limiting number of turtle tours to minimise disturbance. Media campaign


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Objective 6 Increase capacity for turtle conservation on other islands.

Method: Working in conjunction with various Camara Muncipais, INDP and colleaguesfrom Taola assist with training, outreach and distribution of equipment.Results: On behalf of Taola, SOS Tartarugas supported projects on Fogo, SoNicolau, Brava, So Vicente, Santo Anto and Santiago. The activities were funded byMTCA.

Workshop on Sal (5-10 July 2010)SOS Tartarugas conducted a workshop for participants from other islands who arecurrently engaged in turtle conservation activities on other islands. 15 partcipantswere trained in fieldwork methodology, data collection and storage and biology ofturtles. Sessions were also held on outreach and fundraising. See AppendixParticipants were given headtorches, a handheld GPS, notebook and pens andtshirts.

Support for other islandsRepresentatives of SOS Tartarugas supported the following projects on behalf of

Taola: Fogo (Project Vit) Initial visit to map beaches and to assess suitability of

beaches for a hatchery. Collection of data temperature. Follow up visit toassess hatching success. See Appendix 5

So Nicolau (Project Hope) Field visits to train community in data collection andnest relocation. Mapping of beaches. Donation of!400 to assist with petrolexpenses. See Appendix 5

So Vicente (INDP) Support for INDP fieldworkers and mapping of beaches Maio A visit was made to Biosfera on Maio.

See Appendix Five for reports

Recommendations Repeat the workshop in Sal Identify and continue to support local experts on each island Supply of basic equipment is needed for other islands.


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ANALYSIS OF PROJECT EXPENDITURE 2010

Item ! CVE

Legal fees/bank charges/customs ! 3,270 359,677

Car rental ! 454 49,916

Outreach activities ! 566 62,231

Diagnostic study ! 649 71,400

Equipment (Sal & other islands) ! 4,556 501,199

Petrol ! 2,274 592,310

Hatchery & signs ! 993 250,161

Internet ! 472 109,256

Ranger expenses ! 14,650 51,916

Marketing & merchandise ! 6,505 1,611,450

Miscellaneous ! 509 715,556

Telephone ! 2,436 56,000

Vehicle maintenance/insurance ! 2,422 267,953

Shipping ! 4,273 470,045

Taxis ! 3,717 408,850

Turtle House Rent, Water & Elec ! 13,899 1,528,935

Training workshop other

TOTAL EXPENSES ! 61,645 7,373,288


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PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR 2011

Objective 1 : Reinforce protection of nesting turtles on Sal Increase number of protected beaches to include Mont Leo (permanent camp /

request presence of soldiers if possible). Three day workshop for soldiers. The most motivated soldiers who have potential to be

leaders will be identified and asked to participate. (June/July)

Assist with cost of transportation/food etc for soldiers (CMSal to advise cost) andprovide tents (need to purchase in February).

Objective 2 : Support conservation activities on other islands Intensive training camp at the beginning of July in Sal for participants from

communities on Sal and other islands Outreach activity in Santiago including workshops for police, Cmara Municipais,

airport and port authorities, community events and media campaign.

Objective 3 : Increase involvement and awareness amongst local population Employ two environmental education specialists (volunteers)

Produce lesson plans and environmental education materials Implement turtle friendly campaign amongst businesses Outreach campaign in Santiago on behalf of Taola (workshops, media campaign and

events from June August)

Objective 4 : Improve nesting and hatching success on Algodoeiro Outreach amongst businesses/construction companies New hatchery?

Objective 5 : Minimise disruption to nesting turtles by tour guides Propose licensing scheme Training of local guides


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APPENDIX ONE

MAP OF PATROLLED BEACHES SAL ISLAND


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APPENDIX TWO

MAP OF UNPATROLLED BEACHES SAL ISLAND (Survey bi-weekly)


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APPENDIX THREE

AGENDA OF WORKSHOP HELD IN SAL JULY 2010

Atelier Conservao das Tartarugas Marinhas Ilha do Sal 6 10 Julho 2010The objective of the workshop was to provide participants with practical experience in the field as well as togive an overview of a complete programme incorporating tourism, fundraising and outreach activities. Theworkshop also addressed specific problems that the participants had encountered on their islands. Theworkshop was designed to be followed by up trips to participants in order to support and enhance what theyhave learned. The criteria for participants to attend was that they are already working in turtle conservationand their main responsibility is fieldwork rather than administrative. Nine participants attended from sixislands.

ParticipantsJon Berg Peace Corps Volunteer SantiagoJose Varela Community Tarrafal/Rib de Prata Tarrafal SantiagoDionea Garcia dos Santos Ajad SantiagoSandra Correia INDP So VicenteNelson Lopes INDP So VicenteJoo Martins Projecto Esperana So NicolauHerculano Cruz Projecto Esperana So NicolauSilvana Roque Projecto Vito FogoJose Carlos Community Cruzinha Santo AntoFabricio Santos Community Santa Maria Sal

Workshop ProgrammeOverview of programmeIntroduction & presentation of projectsBiology, Lifecycle & Threats (Quiz)Field Trip (construction sites)Tagging & MeasuringCode of ConductSafety & emergenciesMorning patrolTypes of tracksHow to locate nestsConstructing egg chambersNest relocation practiceNight patrols & Turtle WalksChoosing a place for a hatcheryChoosing a place for relocationHatchery managementUse of GPS (Why? How?)Constructing egg chambersNest relocation practiceProblems encountered by participants

Equipment careEco tourism (at the hatchery)Data Collection. Why? What?Designing data collection formsThe importance of protocolsFundraisingCabo Verde turtles in a world contextThe formation of TaolaHow to conduct a island censusExcavation of nests (Why? How?)Turtles & the lawPresentation of data sheetsOutreach activities

Summary & closing remarks

A full report can be obtained by emailing [email protected]


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APPENDIX FOUR

ABSTRACTS OF PUBLISHED PAPERS AND SCIENTIFIC STUDIES 2010

STUDIES

Impact of human traffic on emergence of Loggerhead Turtle hatchlings in Sal, Cape Verde.

Observations from previous nesting seasons has shown trickle emergence amongst nests situated in ourmain hatchery. Frequently nests would hatch whilst public excavations were occurring suggesting thathuman traffic could affect the emergence of the nests. This study is designed to see what affect humantraffic in the hatchery does to the emergence of hatchlings.

The effects inundation on Serra Negra beach, Sal, Cape Verde 2010.Serra Negra is a small beach situated in the southern part of the island, this year it has been the busiestsection of beach on Sal with over 34% of all nests being laid here. Construction and lighting is not a problemon this area of the coastline however high tides and rain during August, September and October causefrequent inundation of two of the bays that make up this beach. Due to the severity of the inundation a studywas devised to allow us to analyse any nests that may be left situated in water or that would be washedaway by the high tides.The purpose of the study was to monitor nests left in locations where inundation mayoccur and to re-assess relocation guidelines for this beach.

Census of turtles seen in water around Sal, Cabo Verde 2010In conjunction with owners of leisure craft and dive centres data was collected on turtles seen at the surfaceor underwater when diving. The purpose was to gain more information about the sea turtle population in thewaters around Sal and to analyse species, size and type of activity (feeding, mating etc). A secondaryobjective was to reach out to the community of Santa Maria to encourage participation in sea turtleConservation.

PAPERS

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) on Sal Island, Cape Verde: nesting activity and beachsurveillance in 2009Surveys forCaretta caretta nesting activities were performed during the nesting seasons from the middle ofJune to end of October 2009 on Sal Island, Cape Verde. A total of 3628 activities were registered: 1071nests, 2466 turtle tracks and 91 dead turtles. On nesting beaches still used by locals to catch female turtlesfor their meat, nightly patrols from 9 pm to 5 am resulted in a significant reduction in turtle mortality incomparison to non patrolled beaches. On beaches regularly patrolled, an increment of nests per km wasalso observed which allows us to conclude that the presence of trained Rangers does not disturb the turtlesor interrupt the nesting process.

The effects of tourism, beachfront development and increased light pollution on nesting loggerhead turtles(Caretta caretta) on Sal Island, Cape Verde: 2008- 2010Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are now the only species of marine turtle nesting on the island ofSal, Cape Verde. In the past other species have been reported to nest here, however, mainly due to killingof sea turtles for food, these other species such as the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green(Chelonia mydas) are now only seen in offshore waters (Merino et al. 2008) Since 2008, the NGO, ADTMASOS Tartarugas has patrolled all the southern beaches on the island in order to protect nesting females andcollect data. Although hunting is still a major issue with 90 turtles killed in 2009, habitat loss and lightpollution are becoming a much more serious threat. Construction sites, hotels, apartment buildings andrestaurants close to beaches, bright lights and illegal removal of sand are contributing to a marked decreasein the total number of emergences of nesting turtles on some beaches. In 2009 all beaches on Salexperienced an average increase in nests of 200% while the beach most affected by construction (TortugaBeach / Resort Group) saw a decrease of nests of 7.3% (from 19.1% of total nests in 2008 to 11.8% of totalnests in 2010), most likely because turtles are moving from that area to an undisturbed area. This beachalso recorded a much lower nest to emergence ratio than normal (17.6% of emergences resulting in nestscompared to 29.9% in other areas) indicating reluctance to nest due to light pollution and noise.


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Nesting activity of the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) on Maio island, Cape Verde (accepted forpublication)Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are now the only species of marine turtle nesting on the island ofMaio, Cape Verde. In the past other species have been reported to nest here, however, possibly due tokilling of sea turtles for food, other species such as the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green(Chelonia mydas) are now only seen in offshore waters (Merino et al. 2008). Threats to loggerhead turtlesinclude hunting of the females on land and males in the water, poaching of nests and increasingly,development for tourism. One of the main issues relating to protecting turtles nesting on Maio is the lengthand remoteness of the beaches that has led to a limited amount of monitoring, surveillance and data

collection. Although it is believed that Maio has the second largest population in the Cape Verde islands(after Boa Vista), very little information exists regarding the nesting beaches and the population of nestingfemales. During 2009 ADTMA SOS Tartarugas undertook a complete survey of the island in order to give asnapshot of the status of nesting loggerheads on Maio.

Papers can be obtained by emailing [email protected]


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APPENDIX FIVEABSTRACTS OF REPORTS ON VISITS TO FOGO AND SAO NICOLAU

Visit to Ilha do Fogo by SOS Tartarugas on behalf of Taola. Hosted by Projecto Vito. 23 July to 4August 2010

A preliminary assessment of specific challenges encountered by various sea turtle conservation projectsthroughout Cape Verde was conducted during a workshop hosted by SOS Tartarugas on the island of Salfrom 6 to 10 of July, 2010. Workshop participant Silvana Roque (Projecto Vito, Ilha do Fogo) expressedvarious concerns about nest relocation protocol in response to total failure of embryonic development inrelocations from the previous season. Although nests were relocated within an acceptable time interval to aseemingly protected area of beach, a complete lack of hatching success suggested that systematic errors inmethodology or detrimental environmental factors were present. A thorough on-site assessment of projectprotocol and examination of nesting beach characteristics was conducted in collaboration with Projecto Vitoto determine potential actions to improve overall nest success and maximize effectiveness of conservationstrategies.

Visit to Ilha do So Nicolau by SOS Tartarugas on behalf of Taola. Hosted by Projecto Esperana &

INDP. 23 August to 4 September 2010

A preliminary assessment of specific challenges encountered by various sea turtle conservation projectsthroughout Cape Verde was conducted during a workshop hosted by SOS Tartarugas on the island of Salfrom 6 to 10 of July, 2010. Workshop participant Herculano Cruz (Project Esperana, Camara Municipal ofRibeira Brava, So Nicolau) expressed problems encountered during the previous season with the erosionof sand from their principle nesting beaches at Porto Lapa and Baia Carrial. Due to the significant loss ofnests observed on these highly dynamic beaches, a great interest was displayed concerning the possibledesignation of a hatchery area. A thorough on-site assessment of project protocol and examination ofnesting beach characteristics was conducted in collaboration with Projecto Esperana and INDP todetermine potential actions to improve overall nest success and maximize effectiveness of conservationstrategies.

Full reports and papers can be obtained by emailing [email protected]

Documents

SOS 2010 Campaign Report (EN)