Dubai: A UAE-based expert is helping a sea turtle conservation project in Indonesia.
David Robinson, Burj Al Arab Assistant Aquarium Operations Manager and member of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project team, travelled to Indonesia last month to help Yayasan Pulau Banyak, a local sea turtle conservation project, train staff in satellite tagging protocol and to assist them in the tagging of two sea turtles.
Located on the remote island of Pulau Bangkaru, the small community-run project helps to research and protect the local sea turtle population.
During last month's annual sea turtle festival, the project successfully raised funds for two satellite tags and called in the help of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project to assist with tagging and staff training. Both turtles were successfully released bearing the first satellite tags to be deployed in western Indonesia and Sumatra.
Anybody interested in following the turtles can visit www.seaturtle.org. More information about the Indonesian turtle project can be found at www.acehturtleconservation.org
Emergency call
Anyone finding a sick or injured turtle in the UAE should call the Jumeirah Aquarium team on +971 4 3017198 or alternatively email baaaquarium@jumeirah.
