Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 4. Marine Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Yeeting (1988) reported a lot of breeding pits on the ocean side beach close to the brid
sanctuary site on the southern part of Abariringa (Canton). Turtles were observed in the
shallow waters on the western reef site.
In 2000, 34 green turtles and 1 hawkbill turtle were observed while diving (Stone et al 2001).
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.
In 2004, Planetary Coral Reef Foundation (2004) observed mating turtles twice while diving
at Abariringa (Kanton). In addition a great number of turtles, mostly green turtles were
observed.
Pierce et al (2006) reported that people on Abariringa (Kanton) recently consumed turtles.
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.
BIRNIE
Balazs (1975) did not visit Birnie, but reported that tracks had been observed there. Garnett
(1983) reported that green turtles were known to nest on Birnie according to Balazs (1975).
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.
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 above).
ENDERBURY
The large sea turtle [presumably the green turtle] was found on Enderbury (Hydrographic
Office 1940).
The Hydrographer of the Navy (1969) reported that turtle were plentiful.
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