Marang:Terengganu: A leatherback turtle came ashore early this morning at Pantai Jambu Bongkok, Marang, to lay eggs, marking the fourth landing of its kind in the state over the past month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a fisherman discovered the turtle around 4 am and informed the Rantau Abang Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC). By 5.30 am, the TCIC had received the report, and the nest was excavated by 6 am, resulting in the retrieval of 70 eggs, which were then transferred to the TCIC hatchery. The turtle left behind a track measuring approximately 2.17 meters wide.

The Fisheries Department director-general, Datuk Adnan Hussain, stated that this recent discovery brings the total number of leatherback turtle eggs collected for protection and incubation to 265 from four nests since September 1. The first landing on September 1 at Pantai Pasir Puteh, Marang, yielded 44 eggs. The second occurred on September 13 at Pantai Rantau Abang, with 81 eggs collected, and the third on September 22 at Pantai Kuala Abang, resulting in 70 eggs.

Adnan emphasized that the four landings since September are significant for leatherback turtle conservation in Terengganu. All nests are under the TCIC Rantau Abang's management, with eggs buried at depths of 80 to 100 centimeters to mimic natural conditions. The incubation period is estimated between 55 and 70 days, influenced by sand temperature and nest conditions. Eggs from the first nest are anticipated to hatch between October 26 and November 10, the second between November 7 and 22, the third between November 16 and December 1, and the fourth between November 25 and December 10.

Rantau Abang TCIC will closely monitor each nest until hatching concludes. Adnan highlighted the necessity of a coordinated approach to conserve leatherback turtles, involving scientific monitoring, nest management, enforcement, and community participation, particularly from local communities and fishermen. He urged the public not to disturb or touch turtles that come ashore and to report any sightings to the Department of Fisheries to facilitate protection and conservation measures.