Students of Marine Science Study Program Release Sea-turtle Hatchlings into The Ocean

Students from the Marine Science Study Program, Bengkulu University, on Sunday morning (05/05/2024) succeeded in holding conservation activities regarding turtles in Bengkulu. This activity was attended by students from the Class of 2021 – 2023. This activity is a series of activities to introduce campus life for new students of the marine science study program (year 2023). This activity is located at the Sea-turtle Hatchery of Kelompok Konservasi Penyu Alun Utara, Pekik Nyaring, Bengkulu Tengah.

This morning’s activity began with the short lecture regarding conservation, especially turtle conservation, by An Nisa Nurul Suci, S.Si., M.Si., as a lecturer in the Marine Science study program. This session was passed with great enthusiasm from students that reflected by many questions regarding conservation. The activity continued by introducing the sea-turtle species which land in Bengkulu Tengah Regency, as well as touring the hatchery area. Once again, students showed high enthusiasm, especially during the session about studying sea-turtles handling which was delivered directly by the Head of Kelompok Konservasi Penyu Alun Utara, Mr. Zulkarnedi. Before the main activity, namely releasing the hatchlings, the students cleaned the beach at the release location. A total of 70 hatchlings were released by the students directly into the ocean. The hatchlings released were olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivace) hatchlings. By carrying out this activity, we hope that the sustainability of sea turtles, especially in Bengkulu, can be maintained and they can avoid extinction.