KOTA KINABALU: Researchers here have promised to use safer and better methods when tagging turtles in waters off Semporna to better protect these endangered sea creatures. Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said a roundtable discussion was organised, following concerns from seasoned divers and researchers on the "lift bag method" used during the annual Mabul Sea Turtle Project. Some claim that this method, used by certain scientists from a public university, are harmful to these marine creatures. Tuuga said sea turtles need to surface to breathe and could collide with fast-moving boats. Sea turtles are totally protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 in Sabah.

Source: The Star May 22, 2019 10:02 UTC