中国海龟受威胁现状和保护建议

Threatened Status and Recommendations on Sea Turtle Conservation in China

卫星定位追踪是目前公认的研究大型海洋生物生活习性最有效的方法之一。本文通过收集整理我国至今卫星定位追踪的59只绿海龟(Chelonia mydas)和1只蠵龟(Caretta caretta),其中包括作者未发表的定位追踪数据,辅以检索分析近年来在我国沿岸发现的海龟新闻报道,应用ArcGIS软件将海龟活动区域图示化。结果显示,这些海龟活动区域与人类活动范围高度重合。同时通过与各利益相关方的交流,归纳总结出我国海龟生存面临的6个主要威胁,包括栖息地衰退和产卵群体数量下降、渔业与航运干扰、非法贸易、水族馆和海洋馆的高需求以及饲养环境的不理想、海洋垃圾和污染以及气候变化。我国在海龟保护方面开展了一些工作,包括建立了一个国家级海龟自然保护区,开展了对目前产卵数量最多的绿海龟产卵场(西沙群岛)连续4年的常规监测,出台了一系列国家级和省级的法律法规等,但也存在许多不足之处。就此,我们提出了加强海龟栖息地保护、打击非法贸易、提升科研水平、设立数据共享平台、推动国际合作等9项政策建议,以期更好地保护海龟。

Satellite tracking is currently recognized as one of the most efficient methods to study the ecology of large marine animals.In this study,we collated migration paths of 59 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and 1 loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) from our unpublished satellite tracking data and from publications to date.We also compiled reports of sea turtle appearances in various coastal locations over recent years.We mapped this information using ArcGIS and found that areas of sea turtle activity closely overlapped those of human activity,especially along coastal waters.Through communications with different stakeholders,we concluded six major threats to sea turtle survival,including habitat degradation and decline of nesting female populations,disturbance from fishing and shipping activities,illegal trade,high demand for sea turtles and poor captive conditions in aquaria,sea trash and pollution,and climate change.China has been implementing sea turtle conservation through various measures such as the establishment of a national sea turtle reserve,continuous 4-year monitoring of China s largest green turtle nesting ground on Xisha Islands,and the publicizing of relevant national and provincial laws and regulations.However,China is also facing many challenges in sea turtle conservation.We provide nine policy recommendations including restoring sea turtle habitats,combating illegal trade,improving scientific research,establishing public data platforms,and promoting international cooperation for better sea turtle conservation.