SAIPAN, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands, is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. It is also home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles. Here are the different types of sea turtles found in the CNMI and the efforts being made to protect them.
There are two main turtle species that commonly frequent the nearshore waters of the CNMI. They are the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Green and hawksbill sea turtles are listed as Threatened and Endangered and are protected federally under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and locally under CNMI Public Law 02-51. Their populations have been declining due to human activities such as pollution, hunting, and habitat destruction.
Green sea turtles are the most frequently spotted species in Saipan. They can grow up to four feet in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Adult green sea turtles are herbivores and feed mainly on seagrass and algae. They are known for their beautiful greenish-brown carapace and are a favorite among tourists.
Hawksbill sea turtles are also found in Saipan. They are smaller than green sea turtles, reaching a maximum length of 3 feet and weighing up to 200 pounds on average. These turtles are critically endangered. They are known for their beautifully patterned shells, which they are often hunted to make jewelry and other decorative items.
*All images shown are property of the DLNR Sea Turtle Program and research activities are permitted under permit.
Aside from these two species, two other sea turtle species can be found migrating in off-shore waters of the CNMI. They are the leatherback sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle. Leatherback sea turtles are the largest of the sea turtles and can grow up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. They are known for their leathery skin and lack of a hard shell. These turtles are also critically endangered, with only a few hundred nesting females left worldwide.
Loggerhead sea turtles are the least common species in Saipan. They can grow up to 3.5 feet in length and weigh up to 400 pounds. These turtles are known for their large heads and powerful jaws, which they use to feed on hard-shelled prey such as crabs and mollusks.
Efforts are being made to protect sea turtles in Saipan. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has implemented laws and regulations to protect sea turtles, such as prohibiting the hunting and sale of sea turtle products and responding to reports on illegal sea turtle harvesting. In addition, various government organizations such as the DLNR Sea Turtle Conservation Program are working to protect sea turtles through research, community involvement, education and outreach. They conduct beach patrols and routine surveys to monitor nesting females, conduct nest inventories of hatchlings, and look for signs of poaching or stranded/injured turtles. They also conduct educational outreach to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation.
*All images shown are property of the DLNR Sea Turtle Program and research activities are permitted under permit.
Tourists visiting Saipan and residents alike can also do their part in protecting sea turtles by following certain guidelines. These include not touching or disturbing turtles or their nests, not feeding them, and not leaving any trash or litter on the beach. Keep in mind that sea turtles are an important part of the marine ecosystem in Saipan, and efforts are being made to protect them from extinction. By raising awareness and taking action to protect these beautiful creatures, we can ensure that they continue to thrive in the waters of Saipan for generations to come.
“If you observe a stranded, sick, wounded, or dead turtle please call the sea turtle stranding hotline immediately at 670-287-8537 (CTR-TLES) or 670-287-6081. If you have any tips or information regarding the illegal harvest of turtles or the sale of products, call DFW Enforcement at 664-6000.”
EAM Expo Outreach with Christina Tudela, Sea Turtle Conservation Program Outreach Specialist.*
*All images shown are property of the DLNR Sea Turtle Program and research activities are permitted under permit.
