Chartered into unchartered waters
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The Uto ni Yalo saw some action up north just before Christmas last year when the Fiji Department of Fisheries, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Cakaudrove Provincial decided to literally tag-team turtles at Ringgold isles, the most important green turtle nesting site in Fiji. Working closely withYanuca Is and Qamea, after a sevusevu was presented to Tui Cakau, as well as to the Tui Laucala, the team began work with the Uto ni Yalo crew always there to offer assistance.

Over a week, turtles were satellite and flipper tagged with the sole purpose of establishing a more accurate and data-based estimate of green turtle nesting population on Ringgold Isles. Generally very little is known about marine turtles in the Pacific Islands region - due primarily limited research and monitoring - and so we were excited to be part of this information gathering exercise.

Nukusemanu Cay, Nukubalati Cay, Nukubasaga and Vetauua islands were specifically targeted locations. On board, we were one family sharing meals and drinking kava. The guitar and ukulele were hardly idle during those cool evenings when work was over, and the moment was to be enjoyed.

Vinaka vakalevu to the Dept of Fisheries, the SPREP team, the Cakaudrove Provincial Council and the many others that continue to make a positive impact in protecting our environment. Vinaka na vei garavi! 

Photos: Above - Skipper Johnathan with turtles Marama ni Veitaua and Adi Laucala on board the Uto ni Yalo. Below left to right - 1. Johnathan, Billyboy, Saras and Jason mount a satellite tag. 2. Johnathan flipper tags a Hawksbill. 3. Releasing one gently back into the water. 4. Steven guides Mara ni Veitaua.

Five species of marine turtles have been reported to exist in Fijian waters. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals (2008) lists the global status of these marine turtle species as follows: 1. Green Turtle - Endangered  2. Hawksbill Turtle - Critically endangered  3. Leatherback Turtle – Critically endangered  4. Loggerhead Turtle – Endangered  5. Olive Ridley – Vulnerable.

For those that wish to find out more, a comprehensive Report has been written by Mrs. Saras Sharma-Gounder and Mr. Richard Veeran. Please feel free to email us for their contact information.