SURVEY OF MARINE TURTLE EGG CONSUMPTION AND TRADE IN MALAYSIA FINAL REPORT

Transcription

1 SURVEY OF MARINE TURTLE EGG CONSUMPTION AND TRADE IN MALAYSIA FINAL REPORT MARCH

2 Table of contents 1. Background Marine Turtles in Malaysia Objective and conceptual framework of study Overview of report and project outputs: Marine Turtle Legislation and Management in Malaysia Overview of study methodology and survey Selection of study sites Study sites: Turtle egg consumers Study sites: Turtle egg trade routes and source Survey Questionnaires Selection and training of field enumerators Implementation of field surveys, data entry and analysis Consumer profile: Key findings and observations Marine turtle egg consumer surveys Socioeconomic profile Consumption patterns and behaviour of marine turtle egg consumers Marine turtle egg consumers perception on turtle population Source of eggs Communication avenues and interests in protecting marine turtles Further analysis:consistent and one-off consumers Trade routes and profiles of egg collectors and sellers: Overview based on newspaper, internet sources and interviews Southern Philippines - Sabah Route West Kalimantan - Sarawak Route Sabah/Indonesia/Philippines Terengganu Routes Natuna - Malaysia and Natuna - Singapore Routes Kuala Lumpur - Chow Kit Market Survey of Terengganu egg collectors Profile of egg collectors Characteristics of egg collectors Markets for turtle eggs Perception of egg collectors Survey of Terengganu egg sellers Melaka egg collectors and resort operators Interviews with Melaka egg collectors Interviews with Melaka resort operators Key findings and concluding remarks Marine turtle egg consumers Trade routes Education and awareness framework and concluding remarks

3 List of Appendix Appendix 1: Areas allowed for licensed egg collection and details of egg collectors Appendix 2: Survey Questionnaires for Terengganu Questionnaire 1: Household survey questionnaire Questionnaire 2: Egg collectors questionnaire Questionnaire 3: Egg seller survey questionnaire Appendix 3: Survey Questionnaires for Melaka Questionnaire 1: Marine Turtle Egg Collectors Survey, Melaka, Questionnaire 2: Resort & Chalet Operators Survey on Sale of Marine Turtle Eggs, Appendix 4: List of chalets and resorts in related nesting areas in Melaka Reference List of Figures Figure 1.1: Linkages influencing turtle egg consumption and threats to turtle populations... 7 Figure 1.2: Schematic task network... 8 Figure 6.1: Taxonomy of key target audience for developing turtle related education and awareness campaigns...46 List of Boxes Box 2.1: List of marine turtle related legislation in Malaysia... 9 Box 2.2: List of relevant priorities from the National Plan of Action List of Tables Table 3.1: Summary approaches and targeted respondents Table 3.2: Study sites in Terengganu and Melaka Table 4.1: Socioeconomic profiles of egg consumers Table 4.2: Consumption patterns and behaviour of turtle egg consumption Table 4.3: Cross tabulation of total eggs bought at one time with gender, age group, education and income group...20 Table 4.4: Consumers perception on turtle populations Table 4.5: Chi-square tests on turtle population decline with gender, age group & education21 Table 4.6: Response to knowledge of declining populations and increase in price of eggs Table 4.7: Sources of eggs...23 Table 4.8: Communication avenues and interests in conservation initiatives Table 4.9: Suggestions to reduce turtle egg consumption Table 4.10: Cross tabulation of respondents that would consume eggs out of curiosity by gender, age group, education and income level Table 4.11: Chi-square tests - decision to continue consuming eggs even if aware of its contribution to turtle decline with gender, age group, education and income levels Table 4.12: Chi-square tests decision to continue consuming eggs even if price doubled with gender, age group, education and income levels Table 4.13: Reasons for egg consumption among consistent consumers Table 4.14: Source of eggs among consistent consumers

4 Table 4.15: Communication avenues and interests in conservation among consistent consumers Table 4.16: Suggestions to reduce turtle egg consumption among consistent consumers Table 5.1: Socioeconomic profiles of egg collectors Table 5.2: Characteristics of egg collectors and collections Table 5.3: Markets for turtle eggs and price Table 5.4: Perception of egg collectors Table 5.5: Cross tabulation between interest to change to an alternative job with age group 37 Table 5.6: Types of consumer groups Table 5.7: Demand for turtle eggs Table 5.8: Average turtle eggs supplied Table 5.9: Number of resort and chalet operators by location and number of operators contacted

5 1. Background Marine turtles are considered a globally important species. This is demonstrated by the existence of various international initiatives towards the conservation of the species. There are seven species of marine turtles in the world. Four out of these seven species are found in Malaysia; namely green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). The recently developed National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sea Turtles in Malaysia identified banning commercial sale of turtle eggs in the country as one of its main priorities. The development of the National Plan of Action was led by the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Malaysia in collaboration with government agencies, universities and NGOs,. In 2005 the motion of banning turtle egg consumption had also been considered by the DOF to be implemented in the country by 2010 (The Star 2005). This was aimed to ensure uniformity of regulation among all the states with turtle nestings. Though marine turtles are of significant importance at the national level an essential consideration to note is the listing of turtles under State jurisdiction based on the Federal Constitution.. This means that respective states have the legislative powers and responsibilities over the management of sea turtles on state land and three nautical miles from the beaches. Critically, challenges at the state level need to be appreciated and meaningfully understood in order to engage relevant stakeholders such as policy makers, consumers and traders for real impacts to be realized on the ground. This would contribute to better acceptance of the national policies and related regulations. This study entitled Marine Turtle Egg Consumption Survey in Malaysia was commissioned by WWF-Malaysia to TRAFFIC Southeast Asia (TRAFFIC SEA) as part of WWF-Malaysia s conservation efforts to address marine turtle egg consumption and trade in various parts of the country. Information generated from the study is aimed at providing a better understanding of the profile of consumers and possible trade routes in order to contribute towards WWF-Malaysia s efforts to produce communication/awareness materials on marine turtle conservation, in particular on marine turtle egg protection and overall turtle conservation initiatives. This will also subsequently contribute towards the national priorities of the National Plan of Action. All marine turtles are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since The CITES listing protects marine turtles from international commercial trade in individuals, parts, and derivatives. Despite this, marine turtles and their products continue to be widely traded (Marine Turtle Newsletter 1989). While CITES provides a framework for international regulation and monitoring, the trade and consumption of eggs domestically are under the jurisdiction of national laws. 1.1 Marine Turtles in Malaysia The major nesting sites in Malaysia are found in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Melaka and in some parts of Pahang and Perak. Other states such as Penang and Johor also have records of turtle nesting. The leatherback turtle used to nest primarily on the mainland beaches of Terengganu, along a 15 km stretch of beach centred at Rantau Abang. However, the nesting population has suffered a dramatic decline with less than a handful in recent years indicating that the population in that area is virtually extinct (Chan 2004). The green turtle is the most abundant and more widely distributed with the most important nesting populations occurring in the Sabah and Sarawak Turtle Islands. Other nesting beaches can be found in Terengganu (mainly on Redang and Perhentian Islands, Kemaman and Kerteh), Pahang (Chendor and Cherating), Perak (Pantai Remis) and Sipadan Island in Sabah (Chan 2006). The hawksbill turtle has only two remaining important nesting populations in the Sabah 5

6 Turtle Islands (principally Gulisaan Island) and Melaka, with remnant populations in Terengganu, Johor and elsewhere. The status of the olive ridley is a cause of concern, with isolated cases of nesting reported in the Sarawak Turtle Islands, Penang, Terengganu and Kelantan (Chan 2006). A whole suite of factors have been identified that result in the decline of the long-lived and slow growing marine turtle species. Among these, marine turtle egg consumption has been widely expressed and highlighted as a major threat in various forums and research findings (Liew 2002; Chan 2004; Steering Committee, Bellagio Conference on Sea Turtles 2004; Hamann et. al 2006; and Ibrahim and Sharma 2006). Though coastal communities have consumed eggs from marine turtles for decades and the practice has become a cultural norm, the persistence of these impacts without careful monitoring and intervention will increase the vulnerability of the species into extinction. Chan and Liew 1996 observed that one of the causes for decline of leatherback turtles in Malaysia was due to the long history of egg exploitation apart from the impacts of fisheries. The survival of marine turtles in Malaysia is also threatened by habitat destruction (pollution and negative changes to their habitats), accidental drowning in fishing gear at terrestrial waters and high seas and illegal harvesting for their carapace and meat usually by foreign fishing vessels. In Malaysia, marine turtle eggs are considered a local delicacy with purported medicinal and aphrodisiac properties but this has not been proven scientifically. There are reports suggesting that domestic tourists buy and eat turtle eggs out of curiosity, ostensibly encouraged by local tour guides as a must do tourism activities (Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 2008). In certain places, perhaps partly due to sustained demand, the price of a single egg can go as high as RM1.50 to RM4.00. It is believed that a lack of a uniform national legal regime pertaining to turtle egg harvesting/conservation and the varying degree of law enforcement capability may have given rise to intra-state trading of the eggs. Internationally, the perception is that the comparatively more lucrative domestic market in Malaysia is fuelling smuggling of turtle eggs from Indonesia and the Philippines into the country. Presently there is no national legislation though a draft is being prepared to protect and conserve marine turtles. Some States have their own legislation while others do not have any such as Selangor and Perlis (Zulkifli et. al 2004). The sale and consumption of leatherback eggs was banned in Terengganu in 1989, however, the consumption and trade of other species such as the green turtles have not been banned except in Sabah and Sarawak. The collection of eggs in the states of Peninsular Malaysia is governed by licensing systems. However due to the lack of manpower to monitor large areas, enforcement is usually insufficient to monitor illegal collection of turtle eggs. 1.2 Objective and conceptual framework of study The two main objectives identified in the Terms of Reference of the study are: a) To identify the main consumers (identifying age group, gender, socio-economic, demographic background) and understand their consumption pattern of turtle eggs. b) To identify the source and trade routes of the eggs. The inter-relationships and linkages that influence preferences and behaviours that lead to turtle egg consumption is represented in the conceptual framework below. It can be assumed that preferences and subsequently behaviour of consumers are affected by their cultural and environmental perceptions; socioeconomic characteristics; and market access and availability of marine turtle eggs. This framework, presented at the initial stage of the study, provides the basis for undertaking a study to understand consumer profiles, their perceptions and background characteristics. At the same time, the review of trade routes is aimed at grasping a better understanding of market access and availability of eggs. 6

7 Cultural & environmental perceptions Socioeconomic characteristics Preferences Behaviours Turtle egg consumption Turtle populations Market access and availability Other threats: Fisheries interactions Pollution Habitat change Environmental impacts Climate change Trade Figure 1.1: Linkages influencing turtle egg consumption and threats to turtle populations 1.3 Overview of report and project outputs: This report contains research findings from field surveys of consumer profiles and possible trade routes of marine turtle eggs based on face to face interviews with relevant stakeholders and a literature review of the topic. These findings provides the basis for developing WWF- Malaysia s education and awareness campaign towards addressing challenges of the ongoing marine turtle egg consumption and trade in the country. The study involved close collaboration between TRAFFIC SEA and PE Research in developing the study methodology, survey planning, analysis and write up. WWF-Malaysia provided the overall guidance for the study with regards to the planning and implementation of the study through report presentations and feedback sessions and inputs from relevant personnel including field scientific officers. The schematic task network below (Figure 2) provides an overview of the process of the study. The study submitted three reports: Submission of the first draft report outlined the proposed methodology, research framework, scope of the field work based on available budget, details of the proposed survey sites and progress. The report was submitted in August The second draft report focussed on survey findings especially for Terengganu while planning was done for field surveys for Melaka was carried out during the same period. The second draft report was submitted in October This final report outlines the overall outputs of the study and findings to provide the profile of marine turtle egg consumers and the identified trade routes. It also offers a framework to provide a better understanding of the target audience to be considered in the process of developing conservation and awareness programs. 7

8 Task 1: Review of literature & related legislation Task 2: Survey design, planning and pre-testing Methodology to be finalized and agreed with TRAFFIC SEA Task 3: Engage field surveyors & training Task 4: Survey implementation & interviews Task 5: Data entry, analysis and tabulation Task 6: Develop draft report Comments from TRAFFIC Task 7: Submission of final report Figure 0.2. Schematic task network 8

9 2. Marine Turtle Legislation and Management in Malaysia 2.1 Marine Turtle Legislation in Malaysia Zulkifli Talib et. al (2004) mentioned, under the Malaysian Constitution, turtles fall under the jurisdiction of the 13 individual states. Below is the Federal and States legislations that referred to the management of turtles in Malaysia (see Box 2.1). Box 2.1: List of marine turtle related legislation in Malaysia FEDERAL LEGISLATION Fisheries Act 1985 Protection of Wildlife Act 1972 The Customs Act 1967 FEDERAL SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION Fisheries (Prohibited Areas) (Rantau Abang) Regulations 1991 Fisheries (Prohibition of Method of Fishing) (Amendment) Regulation 1990 Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 1988 Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1988 STATE LEGISLATION Terengganu Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 1987) Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 1989) Section 3A Notification Under Turtle Enactment 1951 Johor Fisheries (Turtles and Turtle Eggs) Rules 1984 Kedah Turtle Enactment 1972 Turtle Rules 1975 Kelantan Turtles and Turtles Eggs of 1072 (Amended 1935, Enactment No.8) Fisheries (Turtles and Turtle s Eggs) Rules 1978 Malacca Fisheries (Turtles and Turtle Eggs) Rules 1989 Negeri Sembilan Fisheries (Turtles and Turtle Eggs) Rules 1976 Pahang Fisheries (Turtles and Turtle Eggs) Rules 1996 Penang Fisheries (Turtles and Turtle Eggs) Rules 1999 Perak River Right Enactment

10 Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 Parks Enactment 1984 Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 1988 Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1988 Sarawak Turtle Trust Ordinance, 1957 Turtle (Prevention of Disturbance) Rules, 1962 Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1958 (Amended 1973) Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1990 (Amended 1995) Wildlife Protection Rules, 1998 National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998 National Parks and Nature Reserves Rules, 1999 Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998 (Amended 2003) Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 1988 Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1988 Selangor and Perlis No legislation In Peninsula Malaysia, Perlis and Selangor do not have marine turtle related legislation. The legislations in other states mainly prescribes the procedures and fees for the purposes of securing licences to collect eggs, operating turtle watching areas.there are also penalties prescribed for offences involving the possession or killing of turtles. Penalties for offences range from fines from RM100 up to RM3, 000 and jail terms from three months to one year. Under the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 1988 First Schedule and Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1988 First Schedule, the import and export of turtle eggs are not allowed. The Department of Fisheries Malaysia has received reports from the Royal Malaysian Customs of illegal trade; however no detailed study has been conducted to ascertain the extent and mechanisms of the illegal trade. 1 So far, only Sabah s Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and Sarawak s Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 has listed marine turtles under their legislation as totally protected animals. In Sabah two government bodies oversee the management of turtles, which are Sabah Parks (only for Turtle Islands and islands under their jurisdiction) and the Sabah Wildlife Department. The ban on turtle egg consumption and sale covers the whole state of Sabah except for the rights to two families to collect eggs from the islands around Sipadan prior to Since the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 was gazetted, the right was repealed and have resulted in the families seeking for compensation. Under Section 41 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, offenders risk being fined up to RM50, 000 or five years' jail, or both upon conviction. 2 The recovery of the Sabah Turtle Islands populations has been attributed to the foresight of the state government to ban turtle egg consumption and sale and to afford protection to the Turtle Islands in the 1970s. For Sarawak, under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, all marine turtles or any recognizable part or derivative thereof are listed under totally protected animals, whereby any person who kills, captures, sells, offers for sale or claims to be offering for sale, imports, exports, or is in possession of, except in accordance with the permission in writing of the controller for scientific or educational purposes or for the protection and conservation of such 1 Interview with DOF, Putrajaya, Encik Zabawi Saat, Licensing and Management Unit, 8 July Daily Express, Malaysia. 5 October

11 totally protected animals, shall be guilty of an offence. Under section 29 (1) subsection c, the penalty is imprisonment for two years and a fine of RM25,000. The interviews with officials from the state Department of Fisheries in Johor, Pahang and Penang, the departments buys all the eggs collected by the licensed collectors for the department s hatcheries, and at the same time they also discourage the public from consuming turtle eggs. 2.2 The National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sea Turtles in Malaysia The National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sea Turtles in Malaysia was promulgated in a launch in The action plan aims to strengthen conservation measures and enhance the management of sea turtles in Malaysia. A total of 16 priorities were set.the four priorities that are closely connected to this study are highlighted below in Box 2.1 (DOF 2008). Box 2.2: List of relevant priorities from the National Plan of Action. Priority 1. National ban on commercial sale of turtle eggs. Priority 3. All states to harmonise their legislation according to the new legislation of sea turtles. Priority 13. Enhance public awareness, information and education program to all stakeholders specially to facilitate participation of local communities in conservation programs. Priority 14. National ban on consumption of turtle eggs and other turtle products. The continuing trend of marine turtle egg consumption especially in Peninsular Malaysia demonstrates the need to revise the legislation in all states and to raise awareness amongst the public in order to conserve marine turtles in Malaysia. The suggestion that a total protection of all turtle eggs involving a total ban on turtle egg consumption and sales should be implemented but this would need joint-effort and cooperation from all the state governments since it falls under their jurisdiction. To materialise these efforts, a standardized legislation is an important priority. 11

12 3. Overview of study methodology and survey The field surveys and interviews focused on gathering the socioeconomic profile of egg consumers and outlining the trade routes of turtle eggs. As highlighted in the first draft report, the following approaches were undertaken using both field surveys for primary data and key informant interviews to gather background information of the study areas. A review of newspaper articles and internet sources were undertaken to enhance the findings of secondary data on trade routes. Table 3.1 provides the summary of approaches and target respondents of the study. Table 0.1: Summary of approaches and targeted respondents Activity Objectives Tools or approaches 1 Socioeconomic Understanding the Face to face survey socioeconomic profile interviews and perception of 2 Survey on trade routes consumers Identifying markets, trade routes and sources of eggs Face to face, telephone/ mail interviews and literature review Targeted respondents Turtle egg consumers Egg collectors, sellers, key informants, govt agencies 3.1 Selection of study sites Study sites: Turtle egg consumers The preliminary scope of the study involved collecting and analyzing information on marine turtle egg consumption in selected areas such as Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka, and east coast of Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. In the process of outlining and planning the field surveys, the study team discussed various options for the choice of study sites. This was aimed to obtain a maximum impact based on the available budget for the study. With the agreement of WWF-Malaysia, the study team focused the field surveys in the state of Terengganu for the socioeconomic surveys of egg consumers where the consumption of eggs is widespread and eggs are openly sold in markets. Terengganu has been reported to be a popular state for selling turtle eggs (Zahaitun 2004). This would provide a more in-depth understanding of turtle egg consumption patterns, background profile and perceptions of egg consumers. After a reconnaissance survey, the study team identified the following areas for in-depth socioeconomic surveys. The sites were chosen due to their proximity to Pasar Payang, the main market selling turtle eggs in the state located in Kuala Terengganu. The study sites included Kampung Duyung Wan Su, Kampung Duyung Kecil, Kampung Duyung Sekolah, Kampung Kelab Air, Kampung Pantai Batu Rakit, Kampung Tanjung, Kampung Losong Feri, Kampung Dato Amar, Kampong Losong Atap Zin and Kampung Losong Pasir. 12

13 The map shows the location of the study areas. Batu Rakit Pulau Duyong Losong Figure 3.1: Map of study sites Study sites: Turtle egg trade routes and source In order to map the trade routes of turtle egg sale, the study team interviewed egg sellers and collectors as the two main target groups. The study focussed the efforts on Terengganu. There reasons for this are because Terengganu is a key state that has a high demand for turtle eggs and trade, Budget limitations were also a factor on the choice., In view of Melaka as an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles in the country and the existence of a WWF- Malaysia field project, a rapid field survey was also conducted there, targeting licensed egg collectors and resort operators. Turtle eggs are known to be sold at the Pasar Payang market in Kuala Terengganu. In addition, they are also known to be sold at the following areas - Geliga (market and keropok stalls), Pasar Chukai, Pasar Paka, Pasar Dungun, Pasar Marang, Pasar Chabang Tiga, Pasar Batu Enam, Pasar Jertih and including keropok stalls along the coast of Terengganu 3. Since 2005, all major nesting sites in Pulau Redang and Perhentian have been declared as turtle reserves by the State Government of Terengganu. Hence, the collection of turtle eggs is prohibited on these islands. Turtle egg sellers and collectors at the respective sites below were interviewed (see Table 3.2). 3 Personal communication, former Chief, Turtle and Ecosystem Marine Research Center, En. Kamarruddin Ibrahim,

14 Table 3.0.2: Study sites in Terengganu and Melaka Interviews Egg sellers Egg collectors in Terengganu Study sites Pasar Payang, Pasar Gate Dungun, Pasar Chukai, Pasar Jertih, Pasar Besar Dungun Pantai Kijal, Pantai Kemasek, Pantai Kerteh, Penarik, Sempadan, Kuala Dungun, Kuala Abang, Tahu Tiga, Jambu Bongkok, Kuala Baharu Utara, Kuala Tok Char Egg collectors in Melaka Kg. Air Itam Pantai, Tanjung Bidara, Kg. Padang Kamunting Masjid Tanah, Kg. Tanjung Dahan Kuala Sg. Baru, Tanjung Kling, Kg Telok Gong. In Melaka, only licensed egg collectors are allowed to collect eggs to be sold to the Department of Fisheries for hatchery and conservation purposes. However, it has been noted that the illegal collection and trade of turtle eggs is still widespread. The field survey in Melaka concentrated on interviewing egg collectors to identify the potential illegal egg trade and identify tourist sites that are selling turtle eggs. Findings from interviews with key agencies of other states such as Sabah and Sarawak and a review of the literature and newspaper reports is presented to enhance the findings on the turtle egg trade routes. Appendix 1 provides a list of egg collectors for the state of Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka and Johor obtained from the DOF of the respective states. 3.2 Survey Questionnaires Three survey questionnaires were designed for the different target groups in Terengganu. These included survey questionnaires for the following (see Appendix 2 for the questionnaires): a) Marine Turtle Egg Consumption Household Survey, Terengganu 2008, b) Marine Turtle Egg Collectors Survey, Terengganu 2008 and c) Marine Turtle Egg Sellers Survey, Terengganu, Pre-testing of the three survey questionnaires was conducted from 4-8 August 2008 in Terengganu. The questionnaires were further refined based on the pre-testing exercise and feedback from the interview sessions. Questions and sentences that were not easily understood by respondents were modified and improved. Overall, the questionnaires were tailored so that they were short and concise to improve the effectiveness of the interviewing sessions. Questionnaires for the Melaka survey have been refined through consultations with the WWF- Malaysia project officers based in Melaka. The questionnaires developed for the Melaka field surveys are as follows (see Appendix 3 for the questionnaires): a) Marine Turtle Egg Collectors Survey, Melaka, 2008 and b) Resort Operators Surveys on the Sale of Marine Turtle Eggs, Melaka, Selection and training of field enumerators The study team conducted interviews with students from University Malaysia Terengganu and youths from the local communities to assess their suitability as enumerators; this was aimed at having the appropriate persons with knowledge of the local dialect to carry out the surveys and also help reduce travelling costs. Training sessions were undertaken before the launch of the main survey. An explanation of the questionnaires and demonstrations were conducted in order for the interviewers to have a full understanding of the aims of the questions, ways to note down the responses and protocols for conducting the interviews. The first household 14

15 interview by each interviewer was conducted under the observation of the trainer. Further guidance was given until the interviewers were confident and proficient to conduct the interviews on their own. The completed questionnaires were checked by the survey supervisor or the trainer periodically to make sure the information was collected based on proper guidance. The surveys in Melaka were implemented by the TRAFFIC officer with logistics assistance from WWF-Malaysia Melaka field executants. 3.4 Implementation of field surveys, data entry and analysis The main survey on turtle egg consumers was launched on 23 August The main part of the data collection was completed by 17 September Subsequently, another field survey was conducted to interview turtle egg collectors and sellers from of September Field supervisors were elected to oversee the implementation of the field surveys in Terengganu and to monitor the progress and communicate with the study team. The field survey for Melaka was conducted in December The interviews for Melaka were conducted through face to face and telephone sessions. Data was entered into excel spreadsheets and converted into SPSS files for frequency analysis and tabulation. The results are presented below in Section 4 and 5. 15

16 4. Consumer profile: Key findings and observations 4.1 Marine turtle egg consumer surveys About 396 households were visited in Pulau Duyung, Losong and Bukit Rakit, and 245 households (61.9 per cent) stated they had consumed turtle eggs before. The following discussion is based on this 245 respondents who have consumed turtle eggs. The total number of households by the respective study areas are reflected in Table 4.1. Table 0.1 Total number of households by study areas Study areas Pulau Duyung (includes Kampung Duyung Wan Su, Kampung Duyung Kecil, Kampung Duyung Sekolah) Batu Rakit (includes Kampung Kelab Air, Kampung Pantai Batu Raikit, Kampung Tanjung) Losong (includes Kampung Losong Feri, Kampung Dato Amar, Kampong Losong Atap Zin and Kampung Losong Pasir) Total household numbers Total 1213 (or 1178?) The overall socioeconomic profile of the household surveys of turtle egg consumers, their consumption patterns and perception on turtle populations and conservation measures are summarized below.. Based on this background information, further analysis is carried out to provide a better understanding of the profile and socio-economic demographics turtle egg consumers Socioeconomic profile A total of 245 people were interviewed under this survey on marine turtle egg consumption. All (100 per cent) the respondents covered by this survey were Malays. Table 4.1 provides an overview of the socioeconomic profiles of the respondents. In terms of gender, 52 per cent of the respondents were males and 48 per cent were females. Over half (53 per cent) of the respondents were within the age group of 20 to 49, generally regarded as the more economically active age group. About 36 per cent of the respondents had completed secondary education (SPM), 13 per cent with lower secondary education qualification (SRP/PMR) and 27 per cent had primary education. Some 6 per cent, 7 per cent and 3 per cent of the respondents had certificate, diploma and graduate-level education respectively. In all, over 93 per cent of the respondents had attended some form of formal education while about 7 per cent were illiterate. Over 53 per cent of the respondents were employed in the job market, while around 1 per cent was unemployed. Some 45 per cent of the respondents were not active in the employment market as they were pensioners, students, housewife, etc. About 8 per cent of the respondents were farmers and about 7 per percent worked as government servants while 7 per cent were involved in small businesses or retail sales. Some 46 per cent of the respondents had monthly household income of less than RM1,000; 29 per cent earned between RM1,001 to RM2,000; 15 per cent received between RM2,001 to RM3,000 and about 9 per cent took home RM3,000 and above. This shows that almost half of the respondents household income is below the state average for Terengganu which was RM1,984 in 2004 (Economic Planning Unit, 2004). 16

17 The average household statistics for the state of Terengganu was around in 2004 (Economic Planning Unit, 2004). The survey shows that the average household size of the respondents interviewed coincided with the state average at 5. Table 0.2: Socioeconomic profiles of egg consumers Characteristics Frequency Per cent Gender Male Female Age Under Above Education None Primary school SRP/PMR SPM Certificate Diploma Degree Occupation Farmer/agriculture worker Government servant Small business owner/retail sales Self employed Technician Clerical Construction worker Shop and market sales worker Teaching post Factory worker Professional and manager Others Unemployed Do not work (e.g. pensioner, student, housewife) Household income , ,001-2, ,001-3, ,000 and above Average household size 5 4 Classification follows Department of Statistics Census Certificate includes certificates obtained from any trade and technical skills institution college or polytechnic prior to a degree qualification. Diploma includes diplomas obtained from college or polytechnic prior to a degree qualification. Degree includes all levels of first degree or advanced diploma or its equivalent. 17

18 4.1.2 Consumption patterns and behaviour of marine turtle egg consumers In order to identify the main consumers of marine turtle eggs and to understand their consumption pattern, this survey focussed solely on those that had consumed eggs before. In other words, of the 396 households approached by the survey team, 245 had experienced eating marine turtle eggs in the past. Hence, the results of the survey reflect the responses of the 245 households interviewed. Table 4.2 highlights the consumption pattern and behaviour of turtle egg consumers. Close to one-fifth (18 per cent) of the respondents consumed it fairly recently, i.e., during the month or one month before this interview was conducted. Over a quarter of them (25 per cent) ate turtle eggs a year ago and more than half (57 per cent) took it a few years ago. However it appears that marine turtle egg was not part of the regular diet of most of the respondents as around 81 per cent of them consumed only one to two times last year or in the previous year. Only approximately 4 per cent of the respondents revealed that on average they ate marine turtle eggs almost five or six times last year/previous year. The average consumption was 1.8 (s.d. 0.9) last year. Almost half (47 per cent) of the respondents replied that they usually took one egg at a time while slightly over one-third (35 per cent) of them took two eggs in one sitting. The average number of eggs eaten at one time was 1.8 (s.d. 1.0). In all, 82 per cent of the respondents took 1 to 2 eggs at a time. The findings suggest that the majority of the consumers in the study areas do not eat marine turtle eggs on a regular basis and when they do, they take only a small quantity at one time. Such consumption pattern is supported by respondents replies on the quantity of eggs they purchased. Over half (57 per cent) and about one-third (33 per cent) of the respondents bought between 1 to 5 eggs and between 6 to 10 eggs at one time, respectively. Less than one per cent of them bought more than 20 eggs in one go. The average eggs bought at one time among the respondents was 7.1 with a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 30 eggs. Eating turtle eggs seems to be not just an individual affair (33 per cent) and experience but involves other members of the family as well (67 per cent). It is quite common that spouses and children of the respondents consume eggs together. Other family members though relatively less common include parents and brothers and/or sisters of the respondents. The most common reason cited by the respondents on why they consumed marine turtle eggs was delicacy. Since it is a delicacy, or fine food, understandably the egg was not consumed in a regular manner or in large quantity. There is also the issue of affordability. One marine turtle egg could cost around RM2.50 in Kuala Terengganu. Given this price level, it might be too expensive for the egg to be part of regular diet as over 75 per cent of the respondents received household income of no more than RM2,000 per month. The second most common reason was just like it, followed by source of protein and out of curiosity for first timers. Contrary to the common perception, tradition, medication, cravings and aphrodisiac reasons appear to be not the main reasons why people consume the egg as only a small number of the respondents indicated thus. Table 0.3: Consumption patterns and behaviour of turtle egg consumption Consumption patterns and behaviour Frequency Per cent Last consumed eggs This week Last week Last month

19 Last year Few years ago Number of times consumed eggs previous year times times times Average times consumed eggs 1.8 (s.d. 0.9) Number of turtle eggs eaten at one time Average eggs eaten at one time 1.8 (s.d. 1.0) Total eggs bought at one time Above Average eggs bought at one time 7.1 (s.d. 4.9) Family members consuming turtle eggs Self Including other family members Reasons for consuming turtle eggs As medication Delicacy Source of protein Curious Aphrodisiac Suka-suka ( just like it ) Tradition Others Analysing the total eggs bought at one time by gender, age group, education and income shows the following (Table 4.3): In general, males and females bought eggs in similar proportions. The majority of respondents below 30 and above 50 bought between 1-5 eggs in total at one time whereas a higher percentage of respondents between the age groups bought more eggs at one time. There is no clear pattern of the purchase of eggs at one time with the level of education though a higher percentage of respondents with certificate and above qualification bought 6-10 eggs at every one time compared to the other groups where the majority bought 1-5 eggs. Higher income groups tend to buy more eggs at one time compared to the lower income groups. 19

20 Table 0.4: Cross tabulation of total eggs bought at one time with gender, age group, education and income group Total eggs bought at every one time > 20 Total n Gender Male 58.9% 31.8% 1.9% 7.5% 0.0% 100.0% 107 Female 55.9% 33.3% 3.6% 5.4% 1.8% 100.0% 111 Total 57.3% 32.6% 2.8% 6.4% 0.9% 100.0% 218 Age Group Below % 35.3% 2.0% 3.9% 0.0% 100.0% % 41.3% 2.5% 6.3% 1.3% 100.0% 80 Above % 23.0% 3.4% 8.0% 1.1% 100.0% 87 Total 57.3% 32.6% 2.8% 6.4% 0.9% 100.0% 218 Education Primary school/no schooling 58.8% 29.4% 2.9% 8.8% 0.0% 100.0% 68 Secondary school 59.8% 30.4% 2.7% 5.4% 1.8% 100.0% 112 Certificate and above 47.4% 44.7% 2.6% 5.3% 0.0% 100.0% 38 Total 57.3% 32.6% 2.8% 6.4% 0.9% 100.0% 218 Income Group Below RM1, % 28.9% 2.1% 6.2% 2.1% 100.0% 97 RM1,000-RM2, % 30.3% 4.5% 1.5% 0.0% 100.0% 66 RM2,001-RM3, % 40.6% 0.0% 9.4% 0.0% 100.0% 32 Above RM3, % 40.9% 4.5% 18.2% 0.0% 100.0% 22 Total 57.6% 32.3% 2.8% 6.5% 0.9% 100.0% Marine turtle egg consumers perception on turtle population Generally marine turtle egg consumers in Kuala Terengganu are aware that marine turtle populations are dwindling (Table 4.4). Over 90 per cent of the respondents were aware of this trend while only about 10 per cent claimed to have no knowledge about it. However, it appeared that not all of them were really convinced that marine turtle egg consumption contributed towards turtle population decline. When asked about the reasons for the population decline, most of the respondents replied that it was a result of turtles being caught in fishing nets/fishing activities. The second most common answer was habitat destruction. Consumption of marine turtle eggs only came in third. A small percentage of the respondents perceived that foreign fishermen could be the cause. A small fraction of respondents is of the opinion it was due to turtle migration. Table 0.5: Consumers perception on turtle populations Consumers perception Frequency Per cent Aware that turtle population is declining Yes No Main reasons for turtle decline Habitat destruction Consumption of eggs Caught in fishing nets/fishing activities Others (e.g. foreign fishers, migration etc.) The statistical chi-square test shows that there is no difference in knowledge of turtle population declining between male and female (Table 4.5) percent of the age group of 20

21 30-49 said that they know the turtle population is declining. The percentage of eldest group (age 50 and above) who knows turtle population is declining is less than the younger group. The chi-square test shows that there is difference in knowledge of turtle population declining across the age group. The chi-square test also demonstrates that there is difference in knowledge of turtle population declining across the education group. 100 percent of the certificate holder and above know the turtle population is declining whereas only 82.1 percent of the respondents with primary school or no schooling know the turtle population is declining. Table 0.6: Chi-square tests on turtle population decline with gender, age group and education Do you know the turtle population is declining? Yes No Total n Gender 1 Male 92.9% 7.1% 100.0% 126 Female 87.3% 12.7% 100.0% 118 Total 90.2% 9.8% 100.0% 244 Age Group 2 Below % 9.4% 100.0% % 2.4% 100.0% and above 84.0% 16.0% 100.0% 106 Total 90.2% 9.8% 100.0% 244 Education 3 Primary school/ no schooling 82.1% 17.9% 100.0% 84 Secondary school 92.4% 7.6% 100.0% 119 Certificate and above 100.0% 100.0% 41 Total 90.2% 9.8% 100.0% 244 Note 1: Not significant at α = 0.05 Note 2: Significant at α = P value = Note 3: Significant at α = P value = Table 4.6 provides an overview of the response to the knowledge of declining populations and increase in price of eggs. Majority (63 per cent) of the respondents expressed that they would stop eating marine turtle eggs if they knew that egg consumption contributes towards the dwindling of marine turtle population. But more than one-third (37 per cent) of the respondents said they would continue consuming the eggs even though such appetite could cause the decline of marine turtle populations. They cited a few reasons to justify their continued appetite for marine turtle eggs. Firstly, egg consumption would not cause population decline; secondly, perhaps in support of the first reason, marine turtle eggs were still easily available; and thirdly, marine turtle eggs contain more nutrients. A small number of the respondents cited that they would continue eating eggs as they are delicious and because they like the taste of it. Only a few said that they would continue eating due to tradition. Others indicated the availability of the eggs or if bought by others and two respondents noted that they would continue eating due to pregnancy cravings. Nevertheless, most of the respondents appeared to be price sensitive. About 82 per cent of them would stop consuming marine turtle egg should its price double from the current rate of around RM2 to RM4. A relatively small percentage of the respondents (18 per cent) expressed otherwise. But even this group of the respondents would cut down the intake on marine turtle egg should the price doubled as indicated by over 73 per cent of them. Section 21

22 3.1.6 includes a further analysis of the characteristics of respondents that would continue to consume eggs even if price doubled. Table 4.7: Response to knowledge of declining populations and increase in price of eggs Responses Frequency Per cent Will continue consuming eggs even if aware of its contribution to turtle decline Yes No Reasons for continuing to eat eggs Turtle eggs contain more nutrients Turtle egg consumption is not one of the causes of population decline Turtle eggs are still easily available Delicious Suka-suka ( just like it ) Tradition Available (given by others) Pregnancy cravings Will continue consuming even if price doubled Yes No Will continue consuming as much even if price doubled Yes No Source of eggs Only a small number of the respondents confirmed that they bought turtle eggs directly from egg collectors, indicating there are intermediaries along the supply chain (Table 4.7). One of the major intermediaries is obviously the marine turtle egg sellers at the local markets, as a significantly larger number of the respondents revealed that they bought turtle eggs from local markets (pasar). Among those that bought turtle eggs from pasar, an overwhelmingly 91 per cent said they bought them from Pasar Payang, the main local market in Kuala Terengganu. Trailing far behind is another local market named Chabang Tiga (about seven per cent). Most of the respondents that bought from licensed egg collectors purchased them near the local beaches. A modest number of the respondents indicated that they purchased the eggs from other sources. About 5 per cent of the respondents stated they obtained turtle eggs from restaurants and 6 per cent from family and friends while 1 per cent collected the eggs themselves. There were records that eggs were obtained from offshore islands of Terengganu such as Pulau Redang and Perhentian (4 per cent of the respondents mentioned these islands). It is worth noting that some of the respondents indicated that they obtained their marine turtle egg supplies from sources outside of Terengganu, i.e., about two per cent of them said they 22

23 got the supplies from Sabah and Sarawak and one per cent of the respondents sourced turtle eggs from Indonesia. The findings suggest that marine turtle egg collectors (mostly part-timers) usually sell their harvests to egg sellers (mostly hawkers who sell more than just marine turtle eggs) at the local markets in Kuala Terengganu. Pasar Payang is notably the major local distribution centre of the egg. Local restaurants have also been noted as one of the market intermediaries, though it is not clear if they source the eggs directly from egg collectors or from egg sellers or both. Among the local restaurants, Mat Binjai in Kuala Terengganu was repeatedly mentioned by some of the respondents. This is no surprise as this particular restaurant is well known among the locals and tourists for selling turtle eggs as part of the dish. Though not prevalent, the survey results have shown that turtle eggs were sourced from marine turtle reserves on Terengganu offshore, such as Pulau Redang and Perhentian. The results also support the perception that some of the marine turtle eggs from Sabah and Sarawak as well as from Indonesia have found their way into the markets in Terengganu. Table 4.8: Sources of eggs Sources of eggs Frequency Per cent Places to Buy Turtle Eggs Market (pasar) Egg Collector Others Name of markets/places Pasar Payang Batu Enam Chabang Tiga Dungun Others (Pasar Panir, Bukit Besar, Rantau Abang) Others Pulau Redang and Perhentian Family members Friends Restaurant (e.g. Mat Binjai) Self-collected Sabah, Sarawak Indonesia Communication avenues and interests in protecting marine turtles The respondents ranked television as the most common communication avenue that they depended on for news and updates, followed by newspapers (Table 4.8). Mosque talks and village talks were also ranked as common communication avenues. Radio (99 percent of those who recorded other sources) was also an important avenue. A high percentage (97 per cent) of the respondents had never been exposed to any kind of turtle conservation awareness activities/materials prior to this survey. Only three per cent of the respondents have had such an exposure before. Some examples of turtle conservation activities cited by the respondents include beach clean-up activities and turtle courses. The types of 23