Turtles in Mui-Wo

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) released a juvenile green turtle, which was rescued by a local fisherman in Mui Wo in April, in the southern waters of Hong Kong today (August 6). On April 13, the AFCD received a report from a fisherman that a green turtle was accidentally caught in a fishnet in Mui Wo, Lantau.He removed it from the net and temporarily kept it until AFCD staff collected the turtle the next day. The turtle was delivered to Hong Kong Ocean Park for veterinary assessment and was ascertained to be in good condition.Since then, it has been kept at the Hong Kong Wetland Park with constant monitoring and veterinary care.The caretaker fed the turtle with squid, shrimp and vegetables.

After more than three months of rehabilitation, the turtle has grown remarkably.Its weight has increased from 7.8kg to 10.4kg and its carapace length from 40cm to 45cm.Its good shape suggested that it was ready to be returned to sea. Before the turtle embarked on its journey, the AFCD microchipped it for future identification and attached a satellite transmitter to its back.Green turtles are remarkable for their migratory behaviour.By tracing the migratory routes and feeding grounds of green turtles, the AFCD can draw up protection measures and seek co-operation with relevant authorities to better conserve the species. The AFCD is very thankful to the fisherman who rescued the turtle, and urges members of the public to report any sighting or stranding of sea turtles to the department via the 1823 Call Centre to help protect them.

The AFCD will continue to promote public engagement in sea turtle conservation through educational activities and seminars with fishermen. In Hong Kong, all sea turtle species are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). The green turtle is one of the five species of sea turtles found in Hong Kong waters and so far has been the only species known to breed locally.

It can be found in warm seas all over the world and occasionally is seen in the waters off Sai Kung and the southeastern region of Hong Kong.

Source: HKSAR Government