Turtle Rodeo | Borneo from Below (S01E13)

Summary

In this documentary-style video, Bertie joins Dr. Nick Pilcher and his team from the Marine Research Foundation on a turtle tagging expedition off Borneo's coast. The team uses custom nets to catch and study turtles, measuring them, determining their sex, and tagging them for future identification. Dr. Pilcher explains the critical threats to turtle populations, such as overfishing, and shares solutions like turtle excluder devices that help protect these endangered creatures. The trip highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the role of scientific research in preserving turtle species for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bertie, the narrator, joins Dr. Nick Pilcher and his team on a turtle tagging trip off the coast of Borneo.
• 😀 The goal of the turtle tagging is to track turtle populations and determine their sex (male or female).
• 😀 The team uses a custom net that allows them to quickly capture turtles without waiting for hours.
• 😀 The netting process doesn't cause distress to the turtles, as they recover quickly after being captured.
• 😀 Dr. Pilcher has been working on turtle conservation since the 1990s and has experience on nesting beaches.
• 😀 The major threats to turtle populations are overfishing, which often leads to accidental capture in fishing nets.
• 😀 Solutions to these issues include the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawl nets, which allow turtles to escape.
• 😀 TEDs work by allowing fish and shrimp to pass through the grid, while turtles are blocked and can exit through a flap.
• 😀 Tagging turtles allows researchers to identify them if they are recaptured, helping to protect specific areas based on tag information.
• 😀 Dr. Pilcher's work has revealed a high number of female turtles in local populations, prompting efforts to increase male turtle numbers for a balanced sex ratio.
• 😀 The turtle tagging and TED initiatives are helping to improve turtle populations not just in Borneo, but globally.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the turtle tagging trip in Borneo?

The main purpose of the turtle tagging trip in Borneo is to collect data on turtle populations, including their gender and overall health, to better understand and protect these species.

How does the team capture turtles without waiting for them to swim into stationary nets?

The team uses a custom-designed net that allows them to actively chase and catch turtles in a more efficient manner, instead of waiting for them to swim into a stationary net.

Do the turtles experience distress when being caught by the team?

No, the team ensures that the turtles do not experience distress. While being caught might be unpleasant for the turtles, they recover quickly and are not harmed.

What is the significance of using a laparoscope to identify the gender of the turtles?

The laparoscope allows the team to safely and accurately determine the gender of the turtles, which is crucial for understanding the sex ratio in local populations and developing appropriate conservation strategies.

What is the biggest threat to turtle populations, according to Dr. Pilcher?

The biggest threat to turtle populations is overfishing, particularly through bycatch, where turtles are accidentally caught in fishing nets.

How do Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) help protect sea turtles?

TEDs are devices installed in shrimp trawl nets that allow turtles to escape while still allowing fish and shrimp to pass through. This reduces turtle bycatch and helps protect the species.

What role does tagging play in the conservation of turtles?

Tagging helps researchers track individual turtles, providing valuable data on their migration patterns and health. It also allows for the identification of turtles when they are recaptured, aiding in the protection of important habitats.

What was the problem with the local turtle populations that Dr. Pilcher discovered, and how is it being addressed?

Dr. Pilcher discovered that there were too many female turtles in local populations, which could lead to an unbalanced sex ratio. Strategies have been implemented to increase the number of male turtles and restore a healthy population balance.

How does Dr. Pilcher's work in Borneo have global significance?

Dr. Pilcher's work in Borneo is important globally because the data collected can be applied to turtle populations worldwide, helping to inform conservation strategies and protect turtle habitats on a global scale.

What does Dr. Pilcher say about his family's reaction to his work?

Dr. Pilcher acknowledges that his family thinks he is 'mad' for dedicating his life to turtle conservation, but they also deeply respect the important work he is doing to protect sea turtles and their habitats.