27 Aug 2019

Protecting the Hawksbill Sea Turtles

Arnavon Community Marine Park; Arnavon Islands, Solomon Islands

Sea Turtles have lived on planet Earth for over 100 million years. If you've ever come eye to eye with one while snorkelling, you were undoubtedly moved by the experience. The Hawskbill is the most endangered of the Sea Turtles, with an estimated population of fewer than 25,000 nesting females across the tropics. 

Hawksbills have long been hunted for their prized shells to produce ornamentation such as jewelry and other decorative items. Nearly nine million Hawksbill Sea Turtles were hunted  between 1844 and 1992. Despite the 1977 international trade law forbidding cross-border trade of Hawksbills, illegal activities persist. In addition, a number of other threats have contributed to their status of critically endangered: loss of nesting and feeding habitats, excessive egg poaching, fishery-related mortalities, warming oceans, pollution and coastal development.

In 1995, The Nature Conservancy facilitated the establishment of the 40,000-acre Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area (ACMCA) in the Solomon Islands to protect the region's largest Hawksbill rookery, where nearly 2,000 nests are laid each year. Locals from various communities were engaged and offered employment opportunities as park rangers and in ecotourism, thus making the Park the first community-managed protected area in the country. And, to date, it's the longest running monitoring program of its kind in the South Pacific. Conservation initiatives like the Arnavon Community Marine Park (renamed in 2017) are vital to the protection of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. 

Since the inauguration of the marine sanctuary, the number of Hawksbill Sea Turtle nests laid here annually has doubled.

"This remarkable initiative to save nesting Hawksbill turtles is a window into the future of conservation—one that combines community involvement and pride for local lands, waters and wildlife with broader conservation goals, scientific research and emerging technologies. Together, we can secure a brighter future for this remarkable species." –THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

Related Solomon Islands Expedition Cruise

Melanesia Discoverer: Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands [14 days]
Madang, Papua New Guinea to Honiara, Solomon Islands
Aboard the Spirit of Enderby
Prices From: $6,995 USD (or $499/day)
Rates include all shore excursions, snorkelling, meals and shipboard accommodation.

• Hidden gems of both Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands
• Travel up the Sepik River, home to traditional artists
• Be some of the first travellers in over two decades to return to the spectacular island of Bougainville
• Swim and snorkel in crystalline waters
• Hawksbill Turtle conservation centre in Arnavon Islands
• Mangrove Zodiac cruise in search of Dugong and crocodiles
• Visit WWII historical sites including Henderson Airfield and war memorials
• Meet friendly local villagers – remarkable and diverse cultural visits from island to island
• A Naturalist and Marine Biologist will also be on this expedition
• Optional Birding Programme (additional cost) – including Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch, Superb Pitta, Roviana Rail, Solomon Sea Eagle, Beck's Petrel...

"What a fantastic trip! Not only did we get to five islands way off the beaten track, never before visited by a commercial expedition boat, but the friendliness and welcome, culture, activities, birds and freedom to roam made every stop unforgettable. And the hospitality on board was superb, meeting new friends - even getting to suggest special dishes. Looking forward to travelling with you again."  – SUE