HSI and IUCN equip Vietnamese fishermen with sea turtle rescue skills

From November 13-14, at Nui Chua National Park ( Ninh Thuan province), the Department of Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) in collaboration with the Humane Society International (HSI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Vietnam (IUCN Vietnam) organized the program "Training on instructions for rescuing sea turtles and marine mammals and collecting information on unintentional exploitation of groups of sea turtles and marine mammals".

Participating in the training were representatives from the Fisheries Inspection Department, representatives from the Fisheries Inspection Sub-departments of Regions I and V; the Fisheries Sub-departments and Fisheries Inspection Sub-departments of provinces and cities; the Management Boards of Marine Protected Areas and National Parks with marine components; experts, and approximately 30 fishermen.

Program "Training on instructions for rescuing sea turtles and marine mammals and collecting information on unintentional exploitation of sea turtles and marine mammals" (Photo: People's Police Newspaper)

During the training program, participants were instructed in advanced skills related to rescuing sea turtles and marine mammals, handling emergencies, caring for injured individuals, and methods for reintroducing them into their natural environment. The course also introduced methods for gathering information on cases of unintentional exploitation of sea turtles and marine mammals, a crucial task for better understanding the status of these species and developing appropriate management measures.

According to the Fisheries Department, sea turtles and marine mammals are an indispensable part of the marine ecosystem. In Vietnam's waters, 5 species of sea turtles have been recorded living and feeding along coastal areas and offshore islands, including: Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, Green Turtles, Loggerheads, Leatherbacks and more than 30 species of marine mammals. All species of sea turtles and marine mammals are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the IUCN Red List.

Sea turtle rescue area in Nui Chua National Park (Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan). (Photo: VNA)

Ms. Bui Thi Thu Hien, manager of the Marine and Coastal Program of IUCN Vietnam, said that Nui Chua National Park (Ninh Thuan) is the place where turtles come to the nesting grounds in the most number, second only to Con Dao National Park (Ba Ria - Vung Tau). The Management Board of Nui Chua National Park has had practical activities in sea turtle conservation. Notably, the volunteer program is being implemented annually to help convey messages and communicate nationwide about sea turtle conservation.

Mr. Le Tran Nguyen Hung, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Inspection Department. (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Le Tran Nguyen Hung, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Control Department, assessed that this is an important training program to equip essential knowledge and skills for officers working in marine conservation and fisheries management in localities. Thereby, they can participate in rescue or organize propaganda and re-train fishermen on the rescue process of sea turtles and marine mammals.

“After the training course, the trainees not only mastered the skills but also became ambassadors for protecting the marine environment, helping to spread positive messages about conservation to the community,” said Mr. Hung.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hsi-va-iucn-trang-bi-ky-nang-cuu-ho-rua-bien-cho-ngu-dan-viet-nam-207242.html