On May 23, 2018, Kimi, an adult female green sea turtle tagged with the number 34474, was released into the wild in Sanya, Hainan, by the China Fishery Law Enforcement. This release coincided with World Turtle Day, marking a significant milestone in China's efforts to protect marine life.
Kimi was one of five adult sea turtles equipped with satellite tracking devices attached to their shells. These trackers transmit signals every time the turtles surface for air, allowing researchers to meticulously map their migratory routes. This data is invaluable in understanding the movement patterns and habitat preferences of these majestic creatures.
Within just a month, by mid-June, tracking data revealed that Kimi had reached the Qilianyu Archipelago of the Xisha Xuande Islands. By September, her journey led her to the vicinity of the Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve in Guangdong. This area is renowned for its flat seabed and abundant food supply, making it the last remaining nesting ground for sea turtles along China's extensive coastline.
The successful tracking of Kimi highlights the effectiveness of China's conservation initiatives and underscores the importance of protected areas in ensuring the survival of endangered marine species. As Kimi continues her journey, her story serves as an inspiration for ongoing and future efforts to preserve the delicate marine ecosystems.
Reference(s):
Kimi, a sea turtle's journey, and China's conservation efforts
cgtn.com
