Sea turtle landing and distribution in aceh jaya district

¹ Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
² Ocean Diving Club, Universitas Syiah Kuala
³ Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program (WCS-IP), Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
⁴ Aroen Meubanja Sea Turtle Conservation Group, Aceh Jaya, Indonesia
⁵ Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency
⁶ Marine and Fisheries Agency of Aceh Province

^* Corresponding author: mariaulfah@usk.ac.id

Abstract

The research in Aceh Jaya District identified nine turtle nesting beaches: Babah Kuala, Patek, Babah Ngom, Kuala Doe, Rigaih, Alue Piet, Nisero, Aroen Meubanja, and Seunebok Padang. Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles inhabit these coastal areas. Nisero beach, Kuta Tuha Village, Panga Sub-District, recorded the highest nest count (12 nests) with both Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles. Seunebok Padang beach, Seunebok Padang Village, Teunom Sub-District, had the lowest count (2 Olive Ridley turtle nests). Aroen Meubanja beach is the only one with protected status, while the remaining eight face the threat of egg poaching. Unprotected beaches are at high risk, emphasizing the importance of conservation for sea turtle survival and the local economy, particularly through tourism development. Beyond Aceh Jaya, Indonesia features other significant sea turtle nesting sites, like Pangumbahan beach in West Java and Wairundi Island and Venu Island in West Papua Province. The study evaluates various beach characteristics, including width and slope, influencing sea turtle nesting activities. Sediment analysis reveals predominant medium sand textures in Aceh Jaya District, contributing to suitable nesting conditions and emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.