Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Turtles were found on Manra (Sydney) (Hydrographic Office 1940). Hydrographer of the
Navy (1969) noted that turtles were in the lagoon.
Balazs (1975) did not visit Manra (Sydney), but reported that tracks had been observed on the
northwestern coast of Manra (Sydney). These turtle populations were probably heavily
exploited during the recent settlement of this island.
Garnett (1983) reported that green turtles, Chelonia mydas, were known to breed on Manra
(Sydney).
In January 2000, several old turtle nests were observed under pandanus trees, south of the
landing on the beach on Manra (Kepler 2000).
In 2000, all beaches on Manra were surveyed for turtle nests (Stone et al 2001). Thirty one
green turtle nests were found. During dive surveys, 17 green turtles were observed.
In 2002, turtle surveys were conducted on Abariringa (Kanton), Birnie, Enderbury, Manra,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (Obura and Stone 2003). Results of these turtle surveys are
presented in Table III-4.14 above.
Kerr and Wragg (2006) reported their 2006 observations of marine turtles on Birnie,
Enderbury, Manra, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki. Results are provided in Table
III-4.15 above.
Kerr and Wragg (2006) also conducted shoreline surveys for old (>1 year old) and new (< 1
year old) turtle nests and turtle tracks on Birnie, Enderbury, Manra, McKean, Nikumaroro,
Orona, and Rawaki. Results of these surveys are provided in Figure III-4.16 above.
MCKEAN
Balazs (1975) reported that there was no information available on turtles on McKean.
Dana (1975) reported that on the western side of McKean there was a high sandy beach used
by green turtles, Chelonia mydas, for nesting.
Garnett (1983) reported that there were no records of green turtles nesting on McKean.
In 2000, all of McKean’s beaches were surveyed for turtles (Stone et al 2001). Two recent
green turtle tracks and nests were identified in the southern beach. During dive surveys of
McKean, two green turtle, and one hawksbill turtle were observed.
Kerr and Wragg (2006) reported their 2006 observations of marine turtles on Birnie,
Enderbury, Manra, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki. Results are provided in Table
III-4.15 above.
Kerr and Wragg (2006) also conducted shoreline surveys for old (>1 year old) and new (< 1
year old) turtle nests and turtle tracks on Birnie, Enderbury, Manra, McKean, Nikumaroro,
Orona, and Rawaki. Results of these surveys are provided in Figure III-4.16 above.
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