Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Pierce et al (2006) reported that no evidence of recent (1 to 2 months) turtle nesting on
Birnie, Enderbury, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki. However, several old nests
were observed (see Table III-4.17).
Table III-4.17. Turtle nests observed on the Phoenix Islands in April to May 2006.
(source: Pierce et al 2006).
ABARIRINGA (CANTON, KANTON)
Bryan (1934) reported observing turtles on Abariringa (Canton). Bryan (1941 and 1942)
mentioned that turtles come up to sandy beaches to lay eggs.
Maude (1937) reported that the reef beaches of Abariringa (Canton) were covered with turtle
tracks. During that visit, 4 large turtles were caught.
Degener and Gillaspy 1955) noted that occasionally on Abariringa (Canton), a turtle comes
on the beach to lay her eggs (see also McIntire 1960).
In 1973, a preliminary turtle survey was completed on Abariringa (Canton) (Balazs 1975).
Principal nesting sites were along four areas of the beach (see Figure III-4.6).
Figure III-4.6. Marine Turtle Nesting Areas on Abariringa (Canton)
(source: Balazs 1975).
48