Patok Area of Albania. 2009 Project Report

Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania ANNUAL REPORT December 2009

M. White1,6, I. Haxhiu2,3, B. Vrenozi2,3, M. Rumano4 , X. Gërdeci5, E. Kararaj5, M. Mitro5, L. Petri5, D. Përkeqi5, E.Saçdanaku5, B.Trezhnjevna5, L. Boura6, K. Grimanis6, P. Robinson6 & L. Venizelos6 .

Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine, Lampedusa1; Museum of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana2; Herpetofauna Albanian Society3; Ministry of Environment, Tirana4; Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana5; MEDASSET‐ The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles6.

Correspondence to: Dr Michael White, c/o Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine, 92010 Lampedusa (AG), Italy. E‐mail: michael.white@univ.bangor.ac.uk

“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Table of Contents 1.

Background ....................................................................................................................4

2.

Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok

Area of Albania 2008‐2010 ........................................................................................................4 3.

Overview of the 2009 Phase ..........................................................................................5

3.1.

Project partners .............................................................................................................6

3.2.

Endorsements ................................................................................................................7

3.3.

Funders ..........................................................................................................................8

3.4.

Main Project Team.........................................................................................................8

4.

Field work.......................................................................................................................9

4.1.

Study area ......................................................................................................................9

4.2.

Field work launch .........................................................................................................10

4.3.

Sea Turtle Data Collection............................................................................................10

4.3.1. Size‐classes of turtles ...................................................................................................11 4.3.2. Recaptures ...................................................................................................................12 4.3.3. Presence of males ........................................................................................................12 4.3.4. Remigrants ...................................................................................................................12 4.3.5. Flipper‐tagging and Photo‐recognition........................................................................12 4.3.6. Incremental growth for remigrants .............................................................................13 4.3.7. At‐sea encounter .........................................................................................................14 4.3.8. Health status ................................................................................................................15 4.3.9. Overwintering monitoring 2008‐2009.........................................................................15 4.4.

Fishermen ....................................................................................................................16

4.5.

Abiotic factors ..............................................................................................................18

5.

Capacity Building, Education and Awareness Raising..................................................18

5.1.

Training of Students as Project Research Assistants (RAs)..........................................18

5.2.

Awareness‐raising and educational outreach activities ..............................................20

5.3.

Student field‐trips from Tirana University...................................................................21

5.4.

Building capacity within the Herpetofauna Albanian Society (HAS) ...........................21

6.

Dissemination of Results..............................................................................................22

7.

Satellite tracking ..........................................................................................................23

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

7.1.

Rationale ......................................................................................................................23

7.2.

Attachment of transmitters .........................................................................................23

7.3.

Biographical details of telemetered turtles.................................................................25

7.4.

Route maps to date......................................................................................................27

7.5.

Data Summary..............................................................................................................27

8.

DNA profiling................................................................................................................28

8.1.

Rationale ......................................................................................................................28

8.2.

Tissue sampling protocol .............................................................................................29

8.3.

Dissemination of results ..............................................................................................30

9.

Pollution survey ...........................................................................................................30

10.

Conclusions ..................................................................................................................31

11.

Marine Protected Area (MPA) .....................................................................................32

12.

2010 ‐ Towards the implementation of a national strategy to effectively monitor

and protect marine turtles in Albania......................................................................................33 13.

Acknowledgements......................................................................................................34

14.

Bibliography .................................................................................................................34

15.

Annexes........................................................................................................................41

Photos on page 1:

‐ Left: Male turtle (Guximtari) fitted with transmitter before release. ‐ Right: Research Assistant Enerit Saçdanaku and Mr Zhgjuni (Responsible for bycatch monitoring in Godull) with biology students on a field trip.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

1. Background

Despite its richness in biological and landscape diversity, Albania is considered to have the highest rate of biodiversity loss in Europe. Uncontrolled human activity and pressure from low socio‐economic standards have extensively damaged the ecological values of the coastal area. The Albanian coast has received very little attention in the past. In the Balkans, sea turtle nesting is monitored in Greece, while foraging and overwintering habitats are monitored in Croatia and Slovenia. Turtles passing through Albania’s coastal and offshore waters when migrating between habitats in these three countries and their interaction with fishing activities, have been poorly monitored until now.

The presence of marine turtles in Albanian waters has been known since 1979 (Haxhiu 1979, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1995 and 1998, Haxhiu & Rumano 2005, 2006). Research at the Patok area had been conducted by the Herpetofauna Albanian Society (H.A.S) through two projects: “Marine Turtle Conservation: Protection, public awareness and tagging” 2002‐2005; “Monitoring of Sea Turtles in Patok area” 2005–2007.

The first joint project of HAS and MEDASSET in Albania’s marine environment, was undertaken Patok: [N41°38.191’; E019°35.327’] An area in 2005 through a “Rapid Assessment Survey of rich in biodiversity and an important feeding important Marine Turtle and Monk Seal habitats ground for sea turtles. Located in the Adriatic in the coastal area of Albania” (White et al. Sea (Mediterranean Basin) off the northern 2006), which laid the groundwork for the present coast of Albania Project.

2. Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania 2008‐2010

The three‐year Project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania 2008‐2010” aims to contribute to sea turtle and habitat conservation, population dynamics, migratory routes monitoring, capacity building, environmental education and awareness‐raising in Albania.

2008 → Baseline surveys and training.

2009 → Emphasis on Capacity building and awareness raising.

2010 → National expansion of activities.

The project directly contributes to the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO) and of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine Turtles (under the United

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP)) to which Albania is a contracting party.

The long‐term aim of this project is for the Patoku area to be recognised as a nationally and regionally important foraging habitat for sea turtles in the Mediterranean and that these endangered species are fully protected under Albanian national law.

Project Objectives:

Beneficiaries 1.

Consolidate and develop the sea turtle research programme in the broader Patok ‐ Albanian scientists and university students ‐ Albanian NGOs. area (population estimates, tagging, recording measurements, age and physical ‐ Local community and visiting tourists.

‐ Local fishermen groups. ‐ International scientific community. conditions). Monitor fish traps (stavnikes) on a daily basis. Record the distribution of

2.

3.

4.

5.

sea turtles, geographically and temporally (including migration and overwintering data) and relate these to physical parameters such as sea surface temperature.

Reduce fisheries bycatch, destructive fishing practices and over‐fishing.

Continue the public awareness programme in the broader Patok area. Develop demonstration activities at this important site through awareness‐raising, training and networking of stakeholder groups; extend environmental education and awareness‐raising activities throughout Albania.

Improve the capacity of Albanian scientists to monitor the marine turtle population in local waters and become self‐sustaining in terms of its sea turtle research and conservation endeavours. Improve the capacity of government bodies, university students and NGOs to ensure environmental sustainability.

Develop mitigation measures to address the high levels of anthropogenic pollution that impact on the foraging habitats in Drinit Bay.

3. Overview of the 2009 Phase

The second year of this pioneer project has continued to yield important scientific findings and has reinforced its positive impact on the local community.

MEDASSET began fieldwork at Patoku [N41°38.191’; E019°35.327’] on 15th June 2009.

Overwintering monitoring was carried out during spring and autumn 2009 by Prof. Haxhiu.

Achievements in 2009 include the launch of the first satellite tracking programme of sea turtles found in Albania; the training of more university students as Research Assistants in comparison with 2008; the realisation of a waste pollution survey in the Patok area; the establishment of a collaboration with Adnan Menderes University, Turkey, for the analysis of DNA samples collected during fieldwork; and the continued coverage of the project by local and national media.

Collected data in brief The population structure of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) captured as bycatch in stavnike fish‐traps was investigated. During 2009 the stavnikes yielded 137 turtles, which were tagged and released; 10 were subsequently recaptured thus suggesting short term

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

residency in the Bay. Ten remigrants had been tagged previously at Patoku suggesting that Albania may form part of their migratory route; altogether there have been 21 remigrants during 2008‐2009. Also over the two years, male sea turtles (23 adults, 43 adolescents) were captured at Patoku, indicating that they may use the area both as a developmental and a foraging habitat. This discovery has increased importance due to our presently limited understanding of the distribution and marine ecology of male sea turtles; and the threatened impact of global climate‐change, which may force embryonic sex‐ratios towards female‐dominance (Davenport, 1989).

Outline of Project Activities in 2009: 9 Sea turtle research and data collection 9 Capacity Building, Education and Awareness Raising 9 Training of Project Research Assistants (RAs) 9 Building capacity within the Herpetofauna Albanian Society (HAS) 9 Awareness‐raising and educational outreach activities

9 Student field‐trips from Tirana University 9 Pollution survey 9 Dissemination of Results 9 Satellite tracking 9 DNA profiling

9 Dissemination of results and Project visibility

Summary of Results

∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗

Data collection (population estimates, tagging, recording measurements, sex, age and physical conditions) and tagging of 137 sea turtles in 2009; 245 turtles in total during 2008‐2009.

Workshops for 74 biology students from Albanian Universities on field trips.

Training of 7 different students as Research Assistants.

Pollution survey.

Migratory route monitoring of 3 sea turtles through satellite tracking.

DNA profiling of the sea turtle population found in the area of Patok.

Raising awareness among fishermen and locals.

Production and distribution of awareness‐raising material.

Preparation and submission of scientific papers.

Progress and Annual Project Report. (August and December 2009) Presentations at international conferences, publication of press releases and news articles.

Media coverage.

3.1. Project partners MEDASSET – The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles – is an international non‐governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1988, working for the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats throughout the Mediterranean. It has been involved in conservation and scientific research programmes, public awareness, environmental education and lobbying decision‐makers. Since 1988 the organisation has been a Permanent Observer‐member of the Bern Convention at the Council of Europe and Partner

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

to the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) of UNEP. In 2009, MEDASSET was awarded Partner status for the implementation of UNEP’s Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mediterranean Turtles and is also an Accredited Member of the GEF NGO Network.

Research in Albania is carried out within the framework of MEDASSET’s conservation programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing coordination and financial support.

Email: medasset@medasset.org

Herpetofauna Albanian Society (H.A.S) was established in 2001 and is directed by Prof. Idriz Haxhiu; this society includes Professors, Doctors and specialists in Biological Sciences, Biologists, Biology Teachers and Students. The specialists of H.A.S have participated in many meetings, conferences, congresses, symposia and seminars organized within Albania and abroad. Activities are related to the protection and monitoring of the environment and different species, especially those that are endangered. The Project “Marine Turtle Conservation: Protection, public awareness and tagging” was conducted from 2002‐2005.

Email: idrizhaxhiu@yahoo.com

University of Tirana ‐ Museum of Natural Sciences. The University of Tirana, founded in 1957, was the first University in Albania. The Museum of Natural Sciences (MNS) of the University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences represents the most specialized research institution of fauna diversity in Albania. Inventory and monitoring activities on Albanian fauna include Entomofauna (Insects), Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles), Ornitofauna (Birds), Mammalofauna (Mammals), Makrobenthofauna (Mollusks, Crustaceans). The current research activity focuses on taxonomic, ecological, ethological and zoogeographical issues.

MNS contribution to the conservation of the country’s biodiversity is recognized by national and international forums. Monitoring of sea turtles in the Patok area was conducted in 2006‐2007 by Prof. Haxhiu. Email: idrizhaxhiu@yahoo.com

University of Adnan Menderes‐Department of Biology. The university of Adnan Menderes, was founded in 1992. The biology department consists of 5 different sections and Zoology section closely cooperates with Molecular Biology section. Three years ago, a modern molecular biology and genetic research laboratory was cooperatively constructed by these two sections. The recent studies in this lab mainly focus on molecular phylogeny and population genetics of chelonians, fresh water fishes, reptiles and amphibians.

3.2. Endorsements Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration, Nature Protection Policy, Tirana, Albania, Director: Mr. Sajmir Hoxha. The Albanian government has identified and prepared four National Action Plans (NAPs) in the framework of the Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO). The Ministry has submitted its endorsement of the project and has expressed its support towards its continuation. Mr Sajmir Hoxha is also the SPA Focal Point in Albania and expressed his support by endorsing the project’s funding request from RAC/SPA.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

3.3. Funders The Project is proving to be a successful endeavor, and as such has attracted new sponsors for 2009. Existing donors: RAC‐SPA and GEF/SGP ‐ have both increased their financial contributions from the previous year (2008). Their generosity has allowed the project to consolidate and expand the research and conservation activities.

Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP) supports activities of non‐ governmental and community‐based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Mr. Arian Gace: arian.gace@undp.org Contribution US$41.124.

UNEP/MAP, United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan, aims to assist the Mediterranean countries to assess and control marine pollution, to formulate their national environment policies, to improve the ability of governments to identify better options for alternative patterns of development and to optimize the choices for allocation of resources. Ms. Tatjana Hema: thema@unepmap.gr Contribution 3.626,25 EUROS.

UNEP/MAP’s RAC/SPA, (Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas) was established by the contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its protocols, with the aim of assisting Mediterranean countries in the implementation of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas in the Mediterranean. RAC/SPA’s mission is to assist the Parties in establishing and managing specially protected areas, conducting programmes of scientific and technical research, conducting the exchange of scientific and technical information between the Parties, preparing management plans for protected areas and species, developing cooperation programmes among the Parties, and preparing educational materials designed for various groups. E‐mail: atef.ouerghi@rac‐spa.org Contribution 6000 EUROS.

MEDASSET’s contribution to the project is 7800 Euros.

BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP (BCG) aims to provide chelonia keepers with the support needed to ensure that their captive animals receive quality husbandry; to raise funds from members, and from the public, to finance chelonia rescue, research and conservation projects worldwide; to discourage the importation and purchase of wild caught specimens, in favour of responsible captive breeding. Contribution 750 GBP.

3.4. Main Project Team ¾ Dr Michael White (Lead Researcher and Technical Manager ‐ MEDASSET) ¾ Prof. Idriz Haxhiu (Albanian Coordinator of the Project and Lead Researcher, Director of HAS and Professor Doctor of Science at the Museum of Natural Sciences) ¾ Liza Boura (Project Manager – MEDASSET)

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

¾ Blerina Vrenozi (GEF fund management ‐ PhD Candidate, Museum of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana) ¾ Kostis Grimanis (Projects and Campaigns manager ‐ MEDASSET) ¾ Merita Rumano (Researcher and Coordinator at Albanian Ministry of Environment ‐ PhD Candidate) ¾ Assoc. Prof. Dr Oguz Turkozan (DNA analysis ‐ Adnan Menderes University, Turkey) ¾ Prof. Dr. Fevzi Bardakcı (DNA analysis ‐ Adnan Menderes University, Turkey) ¾ David Oakley (Satellite data management ‐ PhD Candidate in Sea Turtle Conservation and Biology, Southampton Solent University, UK)

4. Field work 4.1. Study area In the northernmost part of the Western Lowlands of Albania there is a lagoon at Patoku [N41°38.191; E019°35.327]. A narrow causeway runs across wetlands (marsh) and the inner lagoon to a small piece of land: this was where the project team established their field base to monitor the loggerhead sea turtles that forage in the area. There are no permanent residents at Patoku but some small cafes and restaurants have been erected for visitors who come to the coast for the day, especially in the summer months.

The local area is characterised by five main habitats: a wetland, an inner lagoon, an outer lagoon, a small barrier island and a shallow sea – Gjiri i Drinit. Five sediment‐laden rivers (Bunës, Drinit, Matit, Droja and Ishmit) enter SH Gjiri i Drinit bringing large amounts of terrestrial garbage, mostly plastics, into the coastal zone. Lumi i Ishmit brings the sewage effluent from Tirana to the sea, where it enters the bay just north of Kepi i Rodonit (aka Kepi i Skenderbej).

PA

Gjiri i Drinit Drinit Bay is a shallow sea (maximum depth in survey area is 47 m) with a sand/mud substratum dominated by bivalves and crabs.

Extensive fishing occurs throughout the bay, which is about 30 km north to south. Artisanal fishing is the main economic activity in the bay, especially in the remote southern areas where the project is based. There are a few trawlers based at Shengjini, the only port in the bay; (A star marks the causeway across the inner which also has an emerging tourism industry lagoon to Patoku field‐station. Hellenic Hydrographic Service chart was provided by that is especially popular with Kosovars. The MEDASSET and adapted by Dr. White) bay was divided into two main research areas: Shengjini (SH) and Patoku (PA).

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

SH: Shengjini ‐ Northernmost part of Gjiri i Drinit: ¾ Western border is a line from the border with Montenegro, mouth of Lumi i Bunës, to the tip of Kepi i Rodonit (Skenderbeg Head) [Navigation light: FL (2) 10s 40m 8M]. ¾ Eastern border is the Albanian coast (includes lagoons and wetlands). ¾ Northern border is coastline from Bunës to Shengjin (includes Thrown‐sand beach, and a wetland area, Velipojë). ¾ Southern border is a line of latitude (approx: N 41° 43′) connecting transect (western border) to a light on the eastern shore [FL6s 15m 7M]. ¾ Maximum depth is about 42 m. ¾ Two rivers enter this area: Bunës and Drinit.

PA: Patoku. Southernmost part of Pellgu i Drinit; also known as Gjiri i Rodonit: ¾ Western border is the same transect as SH (mouth of Lumi i Bunës to the tip of Kepi i Rodonit (Skenderbeg Head) [Navigation light: FL (2) 10s 40m 8M]. ¾ Eastern border is the Albanian coast, with Patoku Lagoon being roughly central. ¾ Northern border is a line of latitude (approx: N 41° 43’) connecting transect (western border) to a light on the eastern shore [FL6s 15m 7M]. ¾ Southern border is Kepi i Rodonit. ¾ Maximum depth is about 42 m. ¾ Three rivers enter this area: Matit, Droja and Ishmit.

4.2. Field work launch Field‐visits began at Patoku on April 20th 2009 (initially by Prof. Dr. Idriz Haxhiu and students) and on June 15th 2009 with the arrival of Dr. Michael White. The project was warmly welcomed back by the Patoku community and the local fishermen. Nine Caretta caretta (Cc) were tagged (Matit fishermen) on the 16th June, coinciding with a field trip of 60 biology students from Tirana University. Students were taught about marine turtle biology and conservation approaches (Dr. White, Prof. Haxhiu).

Abbreviations: 4.3. Sea Turtle Data Collection Continuing the methodology from the first year of this 3‐year CCL: Curved Carapace Length project, standard data are: i) Morphometrics: CCL; CCW; plastron‐cloaca; TTL; and the CCW: Curved Carapace distance from the tip of the tail to the posterior margin of the Width TTL: Total Tail Length carapace FP: Fronto‐parietal index ii) Injuries and health assessment PF: Prefrontal scales iii) Epibiota SST: Sea Surface iv) Turtles are tagged with a single Stockbrand’s titanium tag, Temperature usually on the right fore‐flipper. v) Photo‐recognition (PF & FP numbers; carapacial scute counts; photographs)

NOTE: As an indicator of the stage of sexual development three measurements were recorded from the tail ventrally (Casale et al. 2005; White et al. 2008). i) Distance from posterior margin of plastron to midline of cloacal opening (Plas‐clo) ii) Distance from tip of tail to posterior margin of the carapace (+/‐ cara) iii) TTL

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Fish catch monitoring was carried out; contact Prof. Haxhiu and Dr. White for the fishery record.

Photo 1: From left to right: Stone bass, Tuna, Amberjacks, Brown meagre.

4.3.1. Size‐classes of turtles Since the Patoku project began in June 2008, 245 loggerheads have been tagged (Mean CCL = 64.2 cm, SD ±8.61 cm; range = 32.0‐84.5 cm; n = 229. Note: 16 records were data deficient).

Table 1 reports the monthly number of turtles during 2009 in each 10‐centimetre size‐class based on the CCL (Curved Carapace Length). There were 137 loggerheads newly‐tagged during the 2009 field season: 4 were tagged in April; 19 in May; 42 in June; 53 in July; 18 in August and one in September (n = 137 new tags). (1 Cc was tagged at Vlore on 20th December 2008).

Monthly Mean CCLs for 2009 are: April: CCL = 65.0 cm (SD ±9.13 cm); May: CCL = 67.2 cm (SD ±7.43 cm); June: CCL = 61.9 cm (SD ±9.47 cm); July: CCL = 64.9 cm (SD ±9.59 cm); August: CCL = 66.9 cm (SD ±9.29 cm); September CCL = 68.5 cm, n = 1. (7 were data deficient).

Table 1. CCL size‐classes for 137 loggerheads tagged between April‐September 2009; most turtles (n=124) were in the 50‐70 cm size‐class range

CCL 30 April

May

June

July 1 August

September Totals 1

40

5 1 1

50 1 2 13 11 3

7

30

60 2 10 13 23 5 1 54

70 1 6 10 14 9

80

1 1 3

40

5

Total 4 19 42 53 18 1 137

The smallest loggerhead (28/07/2009): CCL = 32 cm; this turtle was not tagged as the Stockbrand’s tag was too large for it (photo 2), but it has good photo‐recognition characteristics (PF=6; FP=14). (Photo 3).

Photo 2: Smallest turtle and tag

Photo 3: Smallest turtle photo‐recognition

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

4.3.2. Recaptures Eleven loggerheads were found twice during 2009; all had been tagged at Patoku (3 in June; 1 in July; 6 in August, 1 in September).

4.3.3. Presence of males Over two summers (2008‐2009) 27% of loggerheads caught at Patoku as bycatch were male (n=23 adults; n=43 adolescents). The findings appear to be similar to those of White et al.

(2008). See foraging population structure paper (White et al. in prep).

4.3.4. Remigrants Ten turtles were found in 2009 that had been tagged previously at Patoku; altogether there have been 21 remigrants (2008‐2009). Previously‐tagged turtles are important as they: i) Show that either the turtle has remigrated here, or perhaps remained nearby over winter. ii) Provide data on incremental growth: i.e. how much they have grown since their previous capture. iii) Allow assessment of the accuracy of data‐collection; by comparing both records. iv) Enable comparison of photographic evidence, albeit over a short time‐period at present, to test the reliability of photo‐recognition. v) Demonstrate the extent of tag‐losses.

4.3.5. Flipper‐tagging and Photo‐recognition a) Tag replacement The project’s policy at Patoku is to replace plastic rototags (photo 4) on previously‐tagged turtles with Stockbrand’s titanium tags for two main reasons: i) To reduce the risk of tags becoming entangled in fishing gear – mainly nets and lines (Suggett & Houghton1998). ii) To ensure tags remain legible over an extended period (several rototags were barely legible after only five years; White et al. 2009; White et al. in prep).

Photo 4: Removing a rototag

Table 2. Replaced rototags in 2009; the data records have been amended Removed rototag

Replaced with Stockbrand tags:

W1148 W1112 W1423 W1190

AL0030 (record PA010; tagged initially on 04/06/2008).

AL0036 (record PA138; 20/07/2006) AL0052 (record PA071; tagged initially on 02/07/2008).

AL0065 (record PA037; tagged initially on 22/06/2008).

W1407

AL0079 (record PA055; tagged initially on 27/06/2008).

W1179

AL0101 (record PA023; tagged initially on 17/06/2008).

W1451

AL0107 (record PA101; tagged initially on 20/07/2008).

W1453 W1145

AL0120 (record PA103; tagged initially on 22/07/2008).

AL0137 (record PA234; tagged initially on 16/06/2007).

W1015

AL0140 (record PA235; tagged initially on 02/07/2004).

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Most turtles (91%) found are still untagged. Only 21 of 245 turtles (2008‐2009) were previously tagged: i.e. different turtles seem to use the habitat, or migratory routes, in different years. White (2007) reported this behaviour for loggerheads foraging at Kefalonia, Greece. Remigrants either got a new tag or a new comment if metal tag from 2008/9.

b) Lost tags Several of the tags that Albanian researchers applied in April and May (2009) have come off: tags were either found in fish‐traps (n=2) or turtles had recent tag scars (n=4). It seems that the researchers did not check underneath the flipper to see if the tags were ‘locked’ (photos 6 & 7), or even if the tag had actually passed right through the limb (photo 5). Dr. White has reinforced their tagging training, and also taught more research assistants how to use the correct technique. This shortcoming can be attributed largely to ‘lack of experience’: only two metal tags had been applied by the end of fieldwork in 2008; because of the delay in obtaining the tags from customs. After the loggerhead was tagged at Vlore (20th December 2008) there were no further turtles until late‐April 2009; an absence which worsened the problem of inexperience.

Because of severe national financial constraints in Albania, instead of applying two tags as more commonly done, only a single flipper‐tag is applied to each turtle (Haxhiu pers. com. 2008). Recognising this limitation photo‐recognition and morphometric data are collected for Photos 5 ‐ 7: Tag lock each turtle (White pers. com. 2008).

Four turtles (PA142/PA173; PA116/PA158; PA143/PA185; PA137/PA225) were re‐identified successfully by using Dr. White’s photo‐recognition technique (White, 2007; White et al. in prep.), in conjunction with the morphometric data (White et al. 2008; 2009). Therefore the research team is pleased with these small successes.

When collecting morphometric data the head and any unusual features of each turtle are photographed, and the images related to its flipper‐tag number. These features can then be compared at any subsequent recaptures.

Further evidence concerning tag‐loss came to light at the end of August 2009: three turtles were recaptured that had been tagged in April and May 2009 by Albanian researchers at Patoku. In each case the titanium tag had been inserted very close to the trailing edge of the flipper, and would soon have been lost (White pers. obs. 2009). Dr White removed these and replaced them with fresh tags; records were amended.

4.3.6. Incremental growth for remigrants Growth increments varied between individual turtles; which may be a function of the life‐ stage a turtle has reached (White pers. com. 2009). At Patoku one loggerhead remigrant had increased her CCL by 11.0 cm in 27 months (from 65.0 to 76.0 cm); this suggests that in May 2007 she was adolescent, and then in 2009 achieved or was approaching maturity. Others,

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

however, showed no incremental growth over a 12‐month period; and so perhaps the present sample size is too small to be of great value.

An unknown factor is whether turtles are growing continuously, albeit slowly, or if there are periods of accelerated growth (‘growth spurts’). Limpus & Limpus (2003) observed that growth rates varied significantly between both different foraging grounds and inter‐ annually. Dr White had previously observed a loggerhead at Lampedusa, Italy, that had grown 20.0 cm in 36 months: from 41.0 to 61.0 cm (White 2007). Herren et al. (undated) noted that growth was polyphasic for a male loggerhead that they captured repeatedly over an 11‐year period; Chaloupka (1998) reported polyphasic growth for pelagic loggerheads in the Pacific Ocean.

One‐way analysis of variance showed no significant differences in growth rates when the various CCL size‐classes were compared (CCL p > 0.18; CCW p > 0.25; n = 21 remigrants).

Table 3. Caretta caretta. Incremental growth data for 21 loggerheads that remigrated to Patoku. Size class was based on CCL at tagging. Growth (cm) is difference between tagging and recapture records; interval is in months. Growth rate is cm/month.

Size Class 40 50

60

70

Growth 6.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 4.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 10.0 11.0 0.5 0.0 3.0 5.0 2.5 4.0

CCL Interval 35 12 12 14 12 12 12 12 14 12 13 13 12 61 27 13 12 23 61 26 36

Rate 0.171 0.000 0.083 0.071 0.083 0.000 0.000 0.333 0.214 0.083 0.231 0.077 0.250 0.164 0.407 0.038 0.000 0.130 0.082 0.096 0.111

Growth 6.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 7.5 6.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 6.0 2.0 3.0

CCW Interval 35 12 12 14 12 12 12 12 14 12 13 13 12 61 27 13 12 23 61 26 36

Rate 0.171 0.083 0.042 0.071 0.083 0.000 0.000 0.083 0.143 0.083 0.077 0.077 0.167 0.123 0.222 0.000 0.000 0.087 0.098 0.077 0.083

4.3.7. At‐sea encounter A loggerhead was observed swimming in Patoku’s inner lagoon (record X019) on July 18th 2009.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

4.3.8. Health status Monofilament fishing line was observed in three turtles: line emerged from the mouth of one (PA193 ‐ the hook was probably in the stomach); and from the cloaca of the other two (these hooks were probably in the intestine. Dr. White carefully withdrew and cut off about 255cm of line from PA203; and 48cm from PA119; photo 8).

Several turtles had suffered damage to the carapace and/or head. Carapace damage (n=10) was usually caused by boat‐strikes (propellers) or trawl‐wires, and these were mostly old injuries; which had been colonised by epibiota. Damage to the head (n=11) was usually recent and superficial (photo 9), perhaps caused when turtles were manhandled from fish‐ traps into boats. The project team demonstrates to fishermen good handling and care towards the animals and works towards improving practices.

Photo 8: Monofilament fishing line found in turtle

Photo 9: Head damage

Photo 10: Close‐up of leeches

Three loggerheads had heavy burdens of unidentified blood‐sucking parasites (leeches), mostly on the neck, but in the worst case they were on most of the soft tissue (photo 10) and the top of the head. Dr. White decided to immerse the turtles in freshwater for a time, to see if a reduction in salinity might cause the leeches to release their bite; this worked well and after two or three days they had all fallen off dead.

Many turtles had algae (epibiotic flora) covering the carapace (n=38) and/or had been colonised by epibiotic fauna (n=84), usually barnacles (Chelonibia testudinaria) and Lepas spp. (stalked barnacles). As concluded in the 2008 annual report, these suggest that turtles may have remained in the neritic/benthic zone for an extended period, perhaps even over winter; but we have no data. In contrast turtles with clean carapaces may have recently arrived from an oceanic habitat (Limpus 2003).

4.3.9. Overwintering monitoring 2008‐2009 Data were collected during the winter period by Prof. Haxhiu: i) 20th December 2008: One Caretta caretta sea turtle (Cc) was tagged at Vlore (it had been kept at Rradhim Hotel, Vlore, for two months). There were telephoned reports of 7 sea turtles in January 2009 (3 in Butrint, 2 in Kavaja and 2 in Durres); 9 sea turtles in February 2009 (4 in Vlora, 2 in Divjaka and 3 in Durres); 5 sea turtles in March 2009 (2 in Saranda, 1 in Vlora and 2 in Shengjin); 4 sea turtles up to 23 April 2009 (3 in Durres and 1 in Shengjin).

Three of the sea turtles reported above were dead (1 in Kavaja ‐ Golemi beach and 2 in Durres ‐ Durresi beach and Bishti Palles). ii) 23rd April 2009: Fisherman caught a loggerhead in his mrezh (released at Godull). iii) Matit stavnike fishermen started work in late April 2009: 3 Cc were tagged on 30th April. iv) 12th May 2009: 5 Cc tagged (Matit stavnike).

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

v) 22nd May 2009: 14 Cc tagged (6 from Ishmit; 8 from Matit). vi) 3rd June 2009: 1 Cc tagged (Matit stavnike). vii) 9th June 2009: 12 Cc tagged (10 from Matit; 2 from Ishmit). This day was a field trip for 14 biology students from Tirana University (Prof. Haxhiu).

Marinela Mitro (project‐trained research assistant), in consultation with Prof. Haxhiu, designed a data‐collection programme working with fishermen at Orikum and Vlore; this allows turtle bycatch information from another part of Albania to be synthesised into the Patoku Project. Another aspect of Ms. Mitro’s study is to monitor the Orikum beaches and note the various environmental impacts.

After receiving a call from an Orikum fisherman on 6th October 2009, under the guidance of Prof. Haxhiu, she Photo 11: Chelonia mydas found measured the small sea turtle captured, but had no at Orikum tagging equipment. From the photograph, Dr White and Prof. Haxhiu identified it as a juvenile Green turtle Chelonia mydas. Record: VL245, CCL=30.0 cm. See paper on the presence of Chelonia mydas population in Albania (Haxhiu et al. in prep).

Table 4. Data collected during the autumn by Prof. Haxhiu of Caretta caretta found by

fishermen:

CCW

Plas‐ clo

TTL

SH246 18/10/2009 68,00 64,00

16,00

18,00

2

SH247 20/10/2009 60,00 56,00

14,00

16,00

‐2

LA248 22/10/2009 66,00 61,00

13,00

14,50

1,5

LA249 28/10/2009 56,00 52,00

15,00

17,50

‐2,5

PA250

30/10/2009 68,50 64,00

16,00

18,00

‐2

PA251

3/11/2009

46,00 44,00

‐

‐

‐

PA252

6/11/2009

57,50 51,50

8,50

11,00

‐2,5

SH253 16/11/2009 68,50 64,00 15,00 17,50

‐2,5

Record

Date

CCL

Post‐ cara

Fishing Gear Tag Location AL0155 Velipoje Mrezha AL0156 Shengjin Tartakoce AL0157 Durres Tartakoce Bisht i AL0158 Palles Mrezha ‐ Tales Mrezha ‐ Godull Mrezha ‐ Godull Mrezha ‐ Kune Stavnik

Fishermen of Durresi and Shengjini that hunt with tartakoce (at depths of 10‐50m) have made several reports on the presence of sea turtles during November and December 2009.

Researchers have arranged with them to keep sea turtle bycatch for them to measure and tag.

4.4. Fishermen There are two main groups of stavnike fishermen at Patoku: Rakip Martini group fishes at Ishmit and Çal group fishes at Matit; both groups collaborate with the project and allow the research team to monitor their turtle bycatch. There are also casual fishermen (e.g. rod and line, small traps, gill‐nets) and shellfish‐collectors that work in the inner and outer lagoons

All of the turtles that were measured and tagged this year have come from fishermen (5 from mrezh (nets); 133 from stavnikes). In 2008, the fish‐traps were destroyed by heavy

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

weather on the 22nd July; in 2009 the Matit stavnike finished on 28th July; Ishmit stavnike was dismantled on 4th September.

The underpinning factor for their cooperation is still financial – the project has to pay the fishermen for benzene expenses (1000 Leke per turtle). However, a good relationship between the research group and the fishermen has been created and the team is steadily building these relationships. The relationship with Çal group has improved; this had been quite difficult in 2008, but persistence has proved worthwhile.

Photo 12: RA and fishermen

Dynamite is known to have been used on 15 days since fieldwork began on 15th June 2009 (Table 4); this is similar to 2008. The Matit stavnike was damaged by dynamite on 28th July 2009; initially the fishermen were going to repair the nets, but then decided to dismantle their stavnike. The dynamiters are family members of close‐knit isolated communities. The police have limited monitoring and enforcement capability in this remote area. The Qarku of Lezhe and the fisheries inspectors are on the case too.

Table 5. Dynamite explosions were heard by Dr White at Patoku on 15 days; there were multiple detonation records on three days

Date 19/06/2009 10/07/2009 15/07/2009 17/07/2009 23/07/2009 25/07/2009 25/07/2009 28/07/2009 29/07/2009 29/07/2009 31/07/2009 02/08/2009 02/08/2009 03/08/2009 04/08/2009 16/08/2009 29/08/2009 05/09/2009

Time 1105 0842 0831 0849 1515 0915 1003 0730 0945 1225 0912 1030 1430 0833 1015 0900 0845 0630

Explosions Place 9 Ishmit 5 Ishmit 3 Ishmit 6 Ishmit 4 Ishmit 2 Ishmit 2 Ishmit 1 Matit 2 Ishmit 1 Matit 1 Matit 8

2 Tales 1 Ishmit 1 Ishmit 1

5 Ishmit 3

Notes

May have been more

Matit stavnike damaged

Ishmit or Matit

Ishmit or Matit

Ishmit or Matit

The Rakip group is constructing a tank at Patoku which has been funded by the project. The tank will be used while measuring and tagging turtles before release and for the recuperation of any injured turtles.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

4.5. Abiotic factors Data collection began on 15th June and finished on 25th September 2009. When surveys were conducted elsewhere, no data from Patoku were recorded.

Table 6 shows: i) Monthly Mean Sea Surface Temperature (SST): June = 26.6°C (SD ±2.26°C, n = 15); July = 30.1°C (SD ±1.71°C, n = 30); August = 29.6°C (SD ±1.10°C, n = 24); September = 25.4°C (SD ±2.27°C, n = 14). ii) Monthly Mean Air Temperature: June = 23.6°C (SD ±2.24°C, n = 15); July = 26.9°C (SD ±2.18°C, n = 30); August = 27.3°C (SD ±1.74°C, n = 24); September = 24.6°C (SD ±1.81°C, n = 14).

Table 6. Monthly Mean SST and Air Temperature at Patoku

SST (°C) Air (°C) Records

June 26.6 23.6 15

July 30.1 26.9 30

August 29.6 27.3 24

September 25.4 24.6 14

Table 7 shows that the predominant wind direction at Patoku is northwest (Maestrali); this is a similar pattern to 2008. Out of 83 records the wind was northwesterly on 54 days (65%) and westerly on 17 days (21%); the other directions are rare.

Table 7. Wind direction vs. number of days per month at Patoku. The wind is predominantly from seawards (nw = 65%; w = 21% of records).

Wind North Northeast East Southeast South Southwest West Northwest Records

June

2

1 4 8 15

July 2 1

1 1 7 18 30

August 1

5 18 24

September

1

2

1 10 14

Finally, dead animals (prawns, crabs and bivalves) were found on the beaches which may be due to the pollution from Ishmit into the bay by Rodonit, or perhaps from dynamite detonations in the Godull area.

5. Capacity Building, Education and Awareness Raising 5.1. Training of Students as Project Research Assistants (RAs) The project devised a system that enabled the training of more students at Patoku in 2009.

This involved research assistants changing over at varying intervals; coming to the vicinity of Patoku by public transport and then being collected. The seven trainees this year were:

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Enerit Saçdanaku; Lazjon Petri; Bekim Trezhnjeva; Marina Mitro, Esmeralda Kararaj and Dhurata Përkeqi from Tirana University and Xhevat Gërdeci from Shkodra University.

The presence of Esmeralda, Dhurata and Marinela at Patoku should be regarded as a significant cultural breakthrough for Albania, because there are many restrictions placed upon women; and an important capacity‐building milestone, as many students in the Faculty of Natural Sciences are girls.

Photo 13: RAs Xhevat & Marina with turtle Students were instructed in: ¾ sea turtle biology and ecology (Lutz and Musick 1997; Miller, 1997, Bolten and Witherington 2003; Lutz, Musick and Wyneken 2003); ¾ the importance of the Patoku zone (Haxhiu and Rumano 2005; White et al 2006, 2008, 2009); ¾ data‐collection methods and morphometrics (Eckert et al 1999; White 2007); ¾ photo‐recognition (White 2007; White et al. in prep); ¾ tagging (Balazs 1999); and animal‐handling and safety skills (White pers. com. 2009). ¾ Their theoretical knowledge was enriched with practical training, including GPS use.

Photo 14: Project trainee Enerit Saçdanaku demonstrating measuring techniques to visiting students.

RAs observed fish‐catch, visited stavnikes, walked two beaches (Matit and the barrier island) and were present during tissue‐sampling for the DNA study. Students were involved in leaflet‐distribution and awareness‐raising activities. In August the research‐team began quadrat‐sampling to compare the widespread litter problem, predominantly plastics, in the coastal zone (see section 9, White et al. in submission). In September RAs participated in the satellite‐tracking component when UHF transmitters were attached to three loggerheads that were released at Patoku (see section 7).

Every trained student was highly motivated, very interested and completely reliable. Despite frequently long working hours, research assistants met every challenge willingly and cheerfully. By the end of the summer the group had developed into a very competent research team.

Award Ceremony at Patoku: Saturday 26th September 2009.

Certificates were awarded to the seven students that completed the Research Assistant Training Course at Patoku field‐centre this summer (Photo 15). An honorary award was made to Merita Rumano for all of the assistance and support that she has given to Prof.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Haxhiu over the years. Certificates were presented by the Head of the Municipality of Fushëkuqe, Ded Kerraj; the ceremony was filmed by TV Lezha, TV Koha and KLAN TV. These presentations mark an important capacity‐building achievement for Albania, as well as a successful milestone for the Patoku Turtle Project.

Photo 15: RAs, Prof. Haxhiu & B. Vrenozi

5.2. Awareness‐raising and educational outreach activities The Albanian team from Tirana University distributed some publicity materials (T‐shirts, leaflets and posters ‐ Annex 3) in the early part of the year; the visits included Velipojë, Divjake, Patoku, Shengjin, Kune and Godull. In the summer the research assistants continued this work. The research team spoke with beach‐users and the owners of bars and restaurants at Godull, Tales, and Shengjin. They also talked with people whenever the opportunity arose, such as to visitors at Patoku, or shopkeepers and children in the various towns; many Albanians are aware of the project through various television productions and approach the researchers in the streets.

Photo 16:

Photo 17: Martini Fishing association wearing Photo 18: Explaining the project RA placing project poster Project T‐shirts

to locals at Godull

At Tales the team discovered, quite by chance, that a sea turtle had been kept in a large pool at a bar there for some time. The owner said he had looked after it well; he’d fed the turtle with prawns or small fish and that he had recently released it ‐ Top Channel television had filmed it. The loggerhead was tagged with a blue rototag (RAC/SPA, Tunis) of unknown number, but it is most likely to be a remigrant.

Dr White and Enerit Saçdanaku distributed PR materials at Ulcinj, Montenegro, during their survey of marine litter in September 2009. More material has been printed for distribution during outreach activities; these are continued over the winter months by Project Research Assistants and HAS members.

On September 12th, biologists, tourists with their children (18), biology students of Tirana University (20 students), fishermen with their children (12) and media attended the release of three turtles equipped with satellite tracking devices. Reuters and Albanian TV Channels:

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Top Channel, Lezhe TV, News 24, Klan TV, Ora News, TV Shijak, TV Koha and TVSH, covered the event.

5.3. Student field‐trips from Tirana University A university class (14 students) visited on 9th June.

Approximately 60 biology students from Tirana University visited Patoku on June 16th as part of their studies; eight loggerheads were tagged and measured that day. Students attended workshops and were provided with educational material.

Photo 19: Student field trip and Media

5.4.

Building capacity within the Herpetofauna Albanian Society (HAS) Dr White and MEDASSET agreed with GEF/SGP to allow HAS to manage the GEF fund in 2009. This was considered to be a very important capacity‐building measure for HAS. In the first annual report (White et al. 2009) it was noted that HAS was the only Albanian organisation at that time with experience on monitoring sea turtles (and several other species), and therefore was a logical choice to continue this project for the immediate future.

HAS became a budget‐holder (GEF/SGP funds) in 2009 and was involved in project management. With the help of MEDASSET and GEF/SGP, HAS was shown: ¾ to manage accounts and report to GEF/SGP. ¾ the importance of remaining within a project budget and financial planning. ¾ how to set financial priorities (i.e. allocating money between 1st, 2nd & 3rd payments)

HAS was responsible for: ¾ Accounts and Scientific Reports in Albanian to GEF/SGP. ¾ Coordinating field trips for student groups from the Biology Department, Tirana University. ¾ Coordinating the selection of RAs. ¾ Project’s collaboration with fishermen groups. ¾ Media coverage at Patok. ¾ Issues with Albanian Institutions especially the Ministry of Environment. ¾ Boat trips for students and tourists to rivers Ishmi and Mati, providing information related to biodiversity and sea turtle conservation. ¾ Organising meetings and discussions with fishermen of other areas: Orikum, Divjaka, Durres, Lalzi Bay, Tale, Vain, Kune, Shengjin and Velipoja ¾ Coordinating the launch event for satellite‐tracking programme and presentation of awards to the RAs. ¾ Funding applications for the 2010 phase of the Patoku project have been submitted via USFWS and VODAFONE Foundation.

This type of capacity‐building is of great importance for an NGO and a very challenging process. The second stage of development is for HAS to review ongoing project priorities:

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

adding, modifying, or deleting objectives and activities as necessary, and rearranging expenditure appropriately; revisions are to be agreed by project partners.

The final stage of capacity‐building is for HAS to become the major fundraiser for the 2010 phase of the Patoku project. MEDASSET is assisting HAS with this complex process.

6. Dissemination of Results

The Project has been presented in 2009 through: ¾ MEDASSET’s English e‐newsletter and Greek newsletter. Information about the Project is included on a special webpage at www.medasset.org. Research at Patok is presented by MEDASSET at various events, conferences and interviews. ¾ MEDASSET issued press releases in English and Greek regarding the launch and subsequent progress of the project (ANNEX 4). Retransmission of press‐releases via: ∗ www.seaturtle.org ∗ medturtle@lists.seaturtle.org; ∗ www.eurocharity.org; ∗ www.global500.org ; ∗ www.eucc.nl (Coastal & Marine Union). ¾ Educational visit and fieldwork on June 16th was covered by KOHA national TV channel. ¾ Media coverage of the satellite programme launch was organised by Prof Haxhiu and included Top News, TV Koha, Klan TV, Lezha TV, and a Reuters’ cameraman and journalist. A short TV spot was shown several times on Sunday 13th September (News 24 & Top‐News channels) ¾ Prof Haxhiu arranged for News24 to film the massive pollution problem at Godull (17th September). A 55‐minute interview followed this at the studio of NEWS 24, which was broadcasted several times during 17‐18 September. ¾ A presentation in Albanian (Shqip Newspaper and TV) is planned, explaining how people can follow the migration of the tracked turtles. ¾ MEDASSET developed the webpage: Turtle Tracking with information and maps on the satellite tracking programme, in English, Greek and Albanian. ¾ With the funding of Ilion Lines, posters and leaflets designed by MEDASSET with information on the Project and sea turtles in Albania will be placed on the ferries connecting Durres (Albania) ‐ Bari (Italy). ¾ Conferences: ∗ 29th International Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation (ISTS), Brisbane, February 2009. ‘Building Bridges: Sea Turtle Capacity Building and Environmental Education Outreach, Patok Albania’ (White et. al); ‘Patok: Monitoring an Important Sea Turtle Foraging Ground in Albania’ (White et. al) ∗ 30th ISTS, Goa, India, April 2010 : “Male loggerheads at a foraging & developmental habitat in Albania” (White et. al); “Plastic debris at an important sea turtle foraging ground in Albania” (White et. al) (Also in submission to a peer‐reviewed Journal) ∗ (tbc) IV Mediterranean Conference on Sea Turtles,Naples, Autumn 2010 ¾ “Photo‐recognition of individual sea turtles: utilising the number and pattern of dorsal head scales” Michael White, Daniela Freggi, Idrizi Haxhiu; in preparation. ¾ A paper on Green turtle presence at Albania is also in preparation (Haxhiu et. al)

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

7. Satellite tracking

The project began the first satellite‐tracking programme in Albania – deploying (UHF) transmitters (txs) on three turtles in mid‐September – which has the potential to continue for two years, assuming that the transmitters and turtles remain intact.

Data‐retrieval arrangements were established with ARGOS (CLS), the satellite provider, so that the project’s researchers could monitor the location, behaviour and spatial movements of the turtles. Data manager (David Oakley) has set up a project on Photo 20: RAs and turtles fitted with www.seaturtle.org and the data is now being transmitters before release. uploaded to the STAT programme (Coyne & Godley, 2005). The website allows easy access for public awareness‐raising and so the turtles’ locations can be followed online. MEDASSET has also developed the webpage: Turtle Tracking with information and maps, in English, Greek and Albanian.

7.1. Rationale At present we have no knowledge about whether loggerheads remain in Albanian waters during the winter months (Lazar 1995, Lazar & Tvrtkovic 1995, 1998, 2003), or if they migrate southwards into warmer waters (Hays et al. 1991, Lazar et al 2000, 2004, Godley et al, 2002, 2003), or even make trans‐oceanic voyages (Hughes et al 1998).

At Patoku 99% of the turtles that are measured and tagged, are collected from stavnikes; however, these traps are dismantled in late‐summer (the fishermen move into the more‐ sheltered lagoons to catch eels Anguilla anguilla). This means that there are few, if any, bycatch data records (Godley et al. 1998b) available for the period when sea temperatures are lower. Underwater visibility in Gjiri i Drinit is usually zero and so it is not even possible to observe turtles directly at sea (White 2007, White et al. 2006).

Overwintering data is expected to be received during the project; the research team expects to be able to relate transmitter data with other factors, such as oceanographic current movements (Girard et al 2006, Kavvadia et al. 2006) and sea temperature. The presence of large numbers of male turtles at Patoku (27% of records) is probably the most interesting aspect of the research, as little is known of their life style, marine ecology, or distribution (White pers. com. 2009).

7.2. Attachment of transmitters Transmitters were attached to: ¾ Two adolescent males ¾ One short‐tailed turtle, possibly an early adult female

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Dr White had selected the verandah of a disused restaurant as the working area, as this provided some shade from the sun. The site was cleaned and some PR materials placed upon the walls. The research team were given a safety briefing by Dr White: the main points were: i) safety of researchers ii) safety of the turtles (careful use of chemicals, keeping the head and eyes moist, constantly reminding onlookers to mind the animals; especially during the media events); iii) safety of the transmitters.

Work began at 0800 when the first turtle was carried to the workplace.

Photo 21: RAs sanding “Patoku” Photo 22: Lead Researcher Photo 23: Tx 97647

instructing on application

Attachment procedure: i) The carapace was washed using cold water and a detergent on a synthetic scouring‐pad; the soap was then rinsed off with clean water. ii) Abrasive paper (sandpaper, Vitex, Germany) was used to abrade the carapace scutes. A large area was cleaned, and flaking keratin was carefully smoothed: initially coarse grade paper was used (Code KP258, P40, 361), and then finished with finer grade paper (Code KP258, P150, 311). Dust was brushed off and the carapace rinsed again. iii) The carapace was cleaned with acetone (nail‐varnish remover), taking great care to prevent spillage onto the skin and head of the turtle. iv) Each transmitter had been previously connected to a laptop computer by Dr White and a final test report generated using Spot5Host software. The communications port was then filled with silicone grease and a plastic plug inserted. v) Pure 2‐K epoxy was applied to the dorsal part of the carapace and the transmitter placed onto the V2 vertebral scute; epoxy coverage was extended to minimise the risk of losing the tx during the normal scute‐shedding process. Working quickly the research team shaped the epoxy around the tx to keep it in place, and smoothed the compound so as to maximise hydrodynamic efficiency. Fortunately the day was cooler and so the epoxy’s ‘gel‐time’ was extended; at higher ambient temperatures (35‐40°C) gel‐time may only be 4‐6 minutes. Care was taken not to cover the wet/dry sensors on top of the tx. vi) At all times the well‐being of the turtle was maintained: the eyes and head were rinsed frequently with clean water. vii) The epoxy was then left to set for about 1.5 hours.

Release of the turtles ¾ Release Time and Date: CET 1300, 12th September 2009 ¾ Release point: Latitude N41° 37.424, Longitude: E019° 34.652 Two boats were used to transport the turtles, people and film‐crews across the outer lagoon to the seawards side of the barrier island at Patoku. GPS was used to mark the release

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

location. Turtles were placed on the sand and in their own time they entered the sea ‐ Gjiri i Drinit ‐ TV coverage was available (see section 5.3 & 6).

7.3.

Photos 24‐26: Release of turtles fitted with transmitters

Biographical details of telemetered turtles

a. “Shpresa” First captured on the 26th May 2007 in Ishmit Key Points: stavnike, Patoku (Haxhiu pers. com.); at that time i) Record no: PA239. ii) Female, possibly early adult (Shpresa the CCL = 65.0 cm (curved carapace length); CCW = means “Hope for Life”) 61.0 cm (curved carapace width). This turtle was re‐ ii) CCL = 76.0 cm; CCW = 67.0 cm captured on the 13th August 2009, once again in iv) Tail data: Plas‐clo = 17.0; TTL = 21.0; the Ishmit stavnikes. This time the CCL = 76.0 cm; +/‐ cara = ‐1.0 cm CCW = 67.0 cm: so during a 27‐month interval the v) Lower beak is cleft incremental vi) Flipper tag: left anterior AL0154 growth was 11.0 cm for CCL; and 6.0 cm for the Stockbrand’s titanium CCW which is considered substantial growth (White vii) Remigrant & recapture: First capture pers. com.). An interesting identifiable feature is 26/05/2007 (Dalton’s Rototag W1136]; 2nd capture 13/08/2009; 3rd capture that her lower beak is split into 2 30/08/2009 parts (i.e. cleft). viii) Tx: 09S0658

Dr White measured the tail in 2009: these ix) Argos PTT 97646 or 0A11ACE1 Hex. measurements provide us with some information about the likely sex of a turtle. So what appears to be the case is that this turtle is a female; and may either be mature or approaching maturity. We do not know when or where she may go to lay her eggs.

At the time of her second capture she was covered in leeches (blood‐sucking parasites); and so Dr White kept her in freshwater for three days (the Rakip fishing group has a tiled room to hold live eels, which was filled with freshwater) during which time the leeches died and fell off. She was released on the 16th August 2009. Two weeks later she was captured again in the Ishmit stavnikes, which indicates that it is likely she had stayed in the Patoku area feeding on benthic animals, such as crabs and bivalves.

She is important because she is a remigrant (i.e. she has been at Patoku in more than one year) and a recapture (she was found more than once this year). These two pieces of information suggest that she returns to Patoku in different years, or that perhaps she lives nearby for much of the time. It is expected that her transmitter data may help to answer these questions.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

b. “Patoku” Patoku was re‐captured on the 2nd September Key Points: 2009, once again in the Ishmit stavnikes. This time i) Record no: PA069. the CCL = 66.0 cm; CCW = 61.0 cm: so in 14 ii) Male, adolescent (2009 is first year of months the incremental growth was 3.0 cm for adolescence): named in honour of the CCL; and 2.0 cm for the CCW. Dr White also Patoku community measured the tail in both years and it appears iii) CCL = 66.0 cm; CCW = 61.0 cm that this turtle is an adolescent male: but maybe iv) Tail data: Plas‐clo = 14.5; TTL = 19.5; +/‐ cara = +2.5 cm only from this year 2009. ¾ 2008 Tail data: Plas‐clo = 12.0; TTL = 16.5; v) Vertebral scutes = 6 (extra between V4/V5); Right costals = 6 (CR4 split in 2) +/‐ cara = +1.5 cm ¾ 2009 Tail data: Plas‐clo = 14.5; TTL = 19.5; vi) Flipper tag: right anterior AL0150 Stockbrand’s titanium +/‐ cara = +2.5 cm This turtle should be very interesting for us too, vii) Remigrant: 1st capture 01/07/2008 as very little is known about the distribution and (tagged with Dalton’s Rototag W1421]; 2nd capture 02/09/2009 tag replaced marine ecology of male turtles. Researchers have seen adult males mating with females in different viii) Tx: 09S0660 parts of the world; however, almost nothing is ix) Argos PTT 97648 or 0A122B00 Hex. known about adolescent males (White 2007).

Research at Patoku may well provide us with some important information about this life‐ stage, because the project has measured 43 adolescent male loggerheads over the two years of study. He has two interesting features: an extra vertebral scute (between V4 & V5); and the 4th costal scute on the right side of his carapace is split into two.

c. “Guximtari” First captured on the 29th August 2009 in Ishmit stavnike, Patoku. The tail measurements indicate that this is an adolescent male turtle. He has an interesting feature on his carapace: the foremost scute (‘nuchal’) is split into two (Photo 27) this is very rare (Dr White has only seen this in 8 turtles from over 400 recently examined). Little is known about this animal, but the research team expect to learn much in the coming months from his satellite data.

Key Points: i) Record no: PA241. ii) Male, adolescent (Guximtari: “Brave and Courageous”) iii) CCL = 69.5 cm; CCW = 65.0 cm iv) Tail data: Plas‐clo = 15.0; TTL = 19.0; +/‐ cara = +3.0 cm v) Nuchal scute = 2 (very rare) vi) Flipper tag: right anterior AL0153 Stockbrand’s titanium vii) First capture 29/08/2009 viii) Tx: 09S0659 ix) Argos PTT 97647 or 0A11ACF2 Hex.

Photo 27: Guximtari’s split nuchal scute

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

7.4.

Route maps to date

Map of PA241 “Guximtari” migration route (in green) and PA239 “Shpresa” (in pink)

Map of PA069 “Patoku” migration route

Maptool program was used for analysis and graphics. Maptool is a product of SEATURTLE.ORG. (Information is available at www.seaturtle.org) 7.5.

Data Summary

Since deployment on 12/09/2009 the tags have been transmitting location data through the ARGOS (CLS) satellite system enabling the creation of data sets. The data sets will facilitate a greater understanding of the behaviour of loggerheads from this region.

Table 8: Number of locations and class since deployment on 12/09/2009 up to 14/01/2010.

Location class Shpresa 2 Guximtari 1 Patoku 2 Summary 6 Tag

2

1

0

A

B

Z

2 9 4 15

7 0 8 15

4 3 4 11

36 21 23 80

83 56 59 198

2 0 0 2

Note: Location Classes depend upon several factors and are based on: ¾ Satellite/transmitter geometry during satellite pass ¾ Number of messages received during the pass ¾ Transmitter frequency stability Location Class ‐ theoretical accuracy in diameter: 3 True position is within 150 m of reported location

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

2 True position is between 150 m and 350 m of reported location 1 True position is between 350 m and 1000 m of reported location 0 True position is more than 1000 m from reported location A No estimate of accuracy available because only 3 messages were received.

B No estimate of accuracy available because only 2 messages were received.

Z The calculated position was rejected for some other reason (Wildlife Computers Support Software Guide, 31st October 2008)

Dr. White noticed that the Argos base‐map and the GPS map for northern Albania are incorrect: the southern part of Drinit Bay has both Ishmit and Matit river outflows marked in their original positions; both rivers had their courses changed many years ago. Presumably there have been no ground‐truthing topographical surveys conducted in recent decades (White pers. com 2009).

8. DNA profiling

DNA profiling is deemed necessary and an added value component of the 2009 project if we are to better understand the differences between the various Adriatic areas and whether or not the turtles foraging or overwintering in the Adriatic are from the same stock or come from different reproductive populations (Libya, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Tunisia; or outside the Mediterranean)1. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has proven particularly effective for detecting population structure in marine turtles2.

As part of the regional effort to understand sea turtle populations tissue samples from loggerhead turtles (n = 28) for genetic profiling were collected. Analysis will be carried out by the laboratory of Dr. Oguz Turkozan, Prof. Bardakci; and PhD candidate Can Yilmaz of Adnan Menderes University, Turkey. CITES permits have been obtained from the Albanian and Turkish governments for the samples to be exported to the laboratory overseas. As soon as the samples arrive at Turkey, the DNA study will be carried out and results will be published in a peer‐reviewed journal.

8.1. Rationale Sea turtles are migratory, long‐lived marine reptiles that exhibit delayed maturity. Females demonstrate philopatry to their natal beaches for egg‐deposition; but the distribution and marine ecology of the other life‐stages are poorly understood, or unknown; this is especially so for males and adolescents of either sex (Ehrhart et al 2003, Schofield et al 2006, White 2007, White et al 2008; 2009).

White (2007) clearly demonstrated the solitary nature of loggerheads in the marine environment; during a four‐year (2001‐2004) at‐sea study, 93% of all turtle sightings involved a single animal (n = 391 records). Lohman et al (1997) suggested that no typical migratory pathway exists for Caretta caretta, so even though nesting beaches may be used 1 2

Bowen et al. 1993, 1995; Fitzsimmons, 1996; Bolten et al. 1998 FitzSimmons et al. 1999

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

communally, females have probably migrated individually from diverse starting points, perhaps only converging at some common destination such as a mating area (Demetropoulos and Hadjichristophorou 1995, Schroeder et al 2003).

In Albania, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas converge, the presence of marine turtles has been known for several years (Haxhiu I. 1979, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1995 and 1998, Haxhiu & Rumano 2005, 2006). Albania’s northernmost bay, Gjiri i Drinit, supports a large number of Caretta caretta, at least during the summer months (White et al. 2006, 2008, 2009).

The use of genetic analyses in sea turtle research has yielded some important findings such as: evolutionary relationships (Bowen et al, 1993; Maciel‐Naro et al. 2009), transoceanic migrations (Boyle et al. 2009), natal homing (Bowen et al. 2004) multiple‐paternity (i.e. eggs within a single clutch may have different fathers; Harry & Briscoe 1988, Galbraith, 1993; Fitzsimmons, 1996; Zbinden et al. 2007); natal beach fidelity (Meylan et al. 1990); fisheries bycatch stock composition (Laurent et al. 1998); the presence of Kemp’s Ridley Lepidochelys kempii in the Mediterranean Sea (Tomas et al 2003); an evolutionary pattern that favours nesting site fixity, and limits the likelihood of turtles moving to novel sites for egg‐laying (Schroth et al 1996); population structures at foraging grounds (Pont et al. 2006) or nesting sites (Harry 1983); and migration routes (Laurent et al 1993, Bowen et al 1995, Bolten et al 1998, Carreras et al 2006).

Genetic fingerprinting (mtDNA) may reveal the natal origins (Maffucci et al. 2006) of the Patoku foraging population, which could be diverse; loggerheads were shown to be transient foragers (Limpus & Limpus 2003, White 2007) using a sequence of habitats that may not yet have been identified. However, what may prove to be more interesting in the future is that the DNA of male turtles sampled now at Patoku may show up in different rookeries; providing a retrospective insight into whether these males have mated with females from different places, and, perhaps, help us to identify the mostly elusive mating areas in the Mediterranean region (White 2007).

8.2. Tissue sampling protocol i) The sampling location is proximal and ventral to the anterior flipper (axilliary region). The site was wiped with antiseptic, and then a small section of skin was removed using a new scalpel blade (to minimise cross‐contamination). ii) Sample was placed into a tube and filled with 96% ethanol; which was changed after 10 days. iii) Tube was labelled in pencil with: serial number of sample (e.g. X1); place (Patoku); record number of turtle (e.g. PA200); species (Cc); date; CCL; and sex if known. iv) Forceps were sterilised between animals (dipped in alcohol and held in lighter flame). v) Data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet (Flipper‐tag number was included). vi) Used blades were placed into a ‘sharps’ bottle for safe disposal later

Laboratory procedures will be provided by Dr. Oguz Turkozan (techniques for extraction, profiling, primers, refs etc). The tubes the samples were stored in were kindly provided by Exelixis Diagnostics S.A, Greece.

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

8.3. Dissemination of results A better understanding of the turtle population structure at Patoku can be achieved from an increased sample size; so, subject to ongoing funding, this programme will continue into 2010. Results and findings will be published in an appropriate journal in 2010 and presented at suitable conferences.

9. Pollution survey The coastal zone of Gjiri i Drinit is heavily polluted with garbage, predominantly plastics. The Ishmit River enters Gjiri i Rodonit in the southeastern corner by Kepi i Rodonit. The stench here is foul; there is a large discoloured plume extending out to sea for about one kilometre; and the beaches are covered with man‐made waste. Large quantities of dead marine invertebrates are frequently found along the strand. Ishmit brings the sewage effluent and other pollutants from Tirana. The other rivers (Bunës, Drinit and Matit) entering the bay appear somewhat cleaner. There are very few disposal facilities for garbage in most places, as is the case at Patoku, where the waste from the restaurants is just thrown into the inner lagoon; or occasionally burned.

In order to provide some scientific measurement of the scale of pollution, Dr. White designed a research programme that utilised a series of comparative quadrats; these were laid out at various locations from Drinit Bay to Ulcinj (Montenegro). Project researchers conducted these surveys and the media campaign was organised and headed by Prof.

Haxhiu.

During surveys of different beaches a point was selected randomly and two 10 m × 10 m quadrats were laid out (Annex 2), and their contents counted (Annex 1). A simple count of the number of items in various categories was made (e.g. plastic bottles, hard plastic, organic material etc.). This preliminary study’s aim was to determine if differences existed from north to south, especially adjacent to river outflows; and if it was possible to pinpoint the worst sources of pollutants. Only visible pollution could be assessed immediately, but it seems highly likely that other sources of contamination are also present in the water, earth, sediment, and fauna and flora.

The heaviest pollution was at Godull and adjacent to the outflow of Ishmit River, where 90% of the debris was made from plastics. See “Plastic debris at an important sea turtle foraging ground in Albania” (in submission), for a full account of methods, results tables (total number of items counted and % of plastic items) and discussion.

Photo 28: Pollution at Mouth Photo 27: Marking out Photo 29: Some of Quadra of Ishmit river

quadrats at Godull No.20 garbage

Photo 30: Kune shore

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Further action A more detailed study has been suggested for 2010, especially of Ishmi River (White and Gace pers. com.). Researchers at other locations would be trained to use the method devised by Dr White; thus allowing direct comparisons between different localities. This should pinpoint the worst‐impacted areas; Dr White provided the Albanian team with the project’s GPS receiver so that accurate fixes can be made of surveyed sites.

Recycling Drinking water at Patoku is commercially bottled, and so Dr White collected the plastic bottles and recycled them whenever the team visited Lezhe; the first recycling project in Albania was started in Lezhe by an Italian businessman, in collaboration with the Qarkut of Lezhe. Initially this was viewed as very strange behaviour by the locals, but the team persisted. As a first step towards reducing the high impact of anthropogenic waste, Dr White tried to arrange for recycling facilities, even if only for plastics, to be set up at Patoku and Fushëkuqe. This is no easy task as there is no infrastructure and the road is currently in extremely poor condition. Dr White spoke with the Chairman of Lezhë government (Mr. Bardh Rica, Qarkut Lezhë) about the findings from the pollution surveys. He advised Dr. White that it was essential to get the local councils (Bashkia) involved in addressing this problem.

10. Conclusions

Capacity‐building has been achieved on many different levels ranging from project administration, fund‐raising and budgetary management, to fieldwork and awareness‐ raising activities. Overall the project’s team‐work has improved substantially: we are now working towards a common goal. The research assistants (RAs) have been highly motivated, very interested, completely reliable, and have performed well: they have participated fully in the project’s endeavours. Their successful training was marked by the presentation of certificates; a significant milestone for Albania. Educational awareness‐raising activities have been carried out (e.g. leaflet distribution to beach‐users and bar‐owners on several beaches, and media coverage of key events such as the satellite tracking programme launch). Strong links have been developed and consolidated with the local communities near Patoku; especially amongst the fishermen and children.

Research methodology has been reviewed and found to be comprehensive, practical and reliable; data records have been verified from recaptured turtles. Improved training has hopefully resolved the problem of tag‐loss caused by poorly‐fitted flipper‐tags. Remigrants have provided incremental growth data. The increased sample size (currently 245 turtles) has provided better insight into the population structure of loggerheads foraging in Gjiri i Drinit (White et al. in prep). The present study now suggests that Patoku is a predominantly late‐stage juvenile developmental habitat, especially for male loggerheads. Previously‐ tagged turtles show that animals use Patoku as part of a sequence of foraging habitats or migratory routes, which are yet to be properly identified (White 2007). It is possible that Patoku is also an overwintering habitat, although positive encounters with turtles in the winter months are yet to be made; the current telemetry programme may provide such

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

data. Lazar has reported turtles from Croatia during the winter months and therefore migrating animals may pass through Italian or Albanian coastal waters when moving between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.

The Patoku Project is becoming well‐established and is in the early stages of developing collaborative research with international partners (DNA and satellite‐telemetry programmes). These activities should further strengthen the capability of Albanian sea turtle researchers to continue this important research into the future.

The project is just starting to address some of the environmental issues – notably the widespread plastic pollution – and this initial report should be followed by an in‐depth study, especially of the impact of Lumi i Ishmit upon Gjiri i Drinit (White et al. in submission).

A new project activity could be monitoring the Ishmit River pollution and raising awareness on this issue.

In 2010, researchers will continue fieldwork at Patoku, monitoring bycatch, working with local fishermen and collecting DNA samples. The satellite tracking programme is planned to continue at least until the end of the project. The project aims to increase the number of trained research assistants, repeat surveying at Tales beach with a dual‐purpose: monitoring for nesting females and awareness raising. A second study area could be Lalezit, south of Rodonit.

11. Marine Protected Area (MPA) There already are indications of future development of this area. A new road is under construction across the lagoons at Patok; the existing one is being widened. The development should be monitored as it is likely to lead to new land uses and rapid construction with the accompanying environmental destruction. Already four new cafes are being built along the new road; planning controls are unclear at present.

Fushe‐Kuqe‐Patok is listed as a Managed Nature Reserve; however, there are no evident signs of management. The Action Plan for Mediterranean turtles urged the government of Albania to legislate protection for marine turtles.

The question arises as to whether an MPA is the best form of protection. Who would monitor it? Who would enforce the legislation? What would happen to offenders? These are some of the issues the project will address in 2010; with appropriate recommendations being made to government.

Dr White’s primary concern in establishing an MPA at Patoku is that it must permit fishing, as there are few other employment opportunities in this remote and impoverished area.

Examples exist, such as those in Lampedusa and Linosa Islands, Italy, where almost all of coastal waters are protected as MPAs, but zoning exists to permit fishing by licence.

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12. 2010 ‐ Towards the implementation of a national strategy to effectively monitor and protect marine turtles in Albania

In order to protect turtles as a whole in the Mediterranean Sea it is vital to protect all of their habitats and migratory routes, especially those critical to their development. It is known that globally there is extreme pressure on nesting beaches because of the excessive development of tourist infrastructure, which invariably leads to habitat loss. Fishing impacts are less easy to monitor, however, many fishermen now recognise the unsustainable pressures on our oceans (from their falling fish catches); these fishermen are usually willing to assist in research and conservation endeavours (White pers. com.).

Results from the two field seasons at Patoku (June‐September 2008 & 2009) show that some level of protection is important for this sea turtle foraging ground. National government has yet to be involved. During the 2009 phase of the project the government reached the end of its mandate when the field work was initiating; and the new government was established when the project was wrapping up.

The project team is now ready to begin investigating sea turtles, especially bycatch, in other coastal areas of Albania; these projects will be under the local control of trained Research Assistants (RAs) and will use the same methodology as taught at Patoku field‐station. These data therefore should be directly comparable and will provide a comprehensive national assessment of sea turtles, their habitats, and any direct or indirect impacts on these endangered animals throughout Albania. This approach should enable us to provide national government with a realistic baseline on which to formulate appropriate legislation. ¾ Aims: To protect marine turtles in Albania; to monitor their populations; to protect their habitats and migration corridors. ¾ Objectives: a. Creation of specific legislation for the protection and monitoring of marine turtles in identified areas of Albania. b. Designation of Drinit Bay as a Protected Area and its recognition as a nationally and regionally important developmental habitat for Caretta caretta. c. Contribute data to the Mediterranean regional strategy to protect the species and their habitats (e.g. RAC/SPA Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mediterranean Turtles , etc.) ¾ Justification: a. Turtles can be useful as biological indicators to assess the health and condition of a particular marine habitat and also to assess if commercial activities (e.g. fishing, boating) occurring within this habitat are sustainable. b. Albania is a signatory party to international environmental treaties and conventions (see section 1); in order to meet the obligations deriving from these treaties a national strategy to protect endangered species is vital. Additionally, in order to become an EU member (currently a potential, not an official candidate), Albania has to work towards the adoption of the environmental acquis communautaire and meet obligations deriving from the implementation of the Habitats/Species Directives and the NATURA 2000 network implementation.

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13. Acknowledgements

Family and staff at Brilant Restaurant, Patoku Bardh Rica (Qarkut Lezhe) Nevenka Camovic (AlphaBank, Lezhe) Ded Kerraj (Municipality Fushëkuqe) Arian Gace (GEF/SGP) Atef Ouerghi (RAC/SPA) Tatjana Hema (UNEP/MAP) Anne Rowberry, BCG Exelixis Diagnostics S.A, Greece.

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15. Annexes Annex 1: Overview of quadrats sampled during the litter surveys in Drinit Bay. Green denotes landwards quadrat, blue seawards. Items column shows number of items counted.

Date Quadrat Sea Area Place Items Latitude Longitude Researchers 08/09/2009 Q1 MN Ulcinj 61 N41° 53.691 E019° 17.287 MW ES 08/09/2009 Q2 MN Ulcinj 44 N41° 53.687 E019° 17.283 MW ES 08/09/2009 Q3 MN Ulcinj (S) 27 N41° 52.891 E019° 19.067 MW ES 08/09/2009 Q4 MN Ulcinj (S) 31 N41° 52.886 E019° 19.062 MW ES 02/09/2009 Q5 SH Velipoje 34 N41° 51.131 E019° 23.979 MW ES 02/09/2009 Q6 SH Velipoje 117 N41° 51.127 E019° 23.982 MW ES 17/08/2009 Q7 SH Kune 105 N41° 46.075 E019° 35.396 MW EK DP LP 17/08/2009 Q8 SH Kune 42 N41° 46.071 E019° 35.391 MW EK DP LP 29/08/2009 Q9 SH Vain 99 N41° 43.528 E019° 34.827 MW ES 29/08/2009 Q10 SH Vain 33 N41° 43.527 E019° 34.820 MW ES 24/08/2009 Q11 SH Tales 48 N41° 43.197 E019° 34.901 MW ES 24/08/2009 Q12 SH Tales 14 N41° 43.196 E019° 34.894 MW ES 18/08/2009 Q13 PA Tales (S) 75 N41° 40.993 E019° 34.680 MW EK DP LP * 18/08/2009 Q14 PA Tales (S) 56 N41° 40.992 E019° 34.687 MW EK DP LP * 19/08/2009 Q15 PA Patok 16 N41° 37.684 E019° 34.400 MW LP 19/08/2009 Q16 PA Patok 25 N41° 37.682 E019° 34.393 MW LP 06/09/2009 Q17 PA Godull 266 N41° 35.915 E019° 34.644 MW ES LP 06/09/2009 Q18 PA Godull 829 N41° 35.914 E019° 34.651 MW ES LP 06/09/2009 Q19 PA Ishmit 148 N41° 34.686 E019° 33.444 MW ES LP 06/09/2009 Q20 PA Ishmit 1447 N41° 34.683 E019° 33.451 MW ES LP 03/09/2009 Q21 LA Rodonit 192 N41° 33.022 E019° 28.234 MW ES 03/09/2009 Q22 LA Rodonit 13 N41° 33.017 E019° 28.231 MW ES Researchers: MW‐Michael White, EK‐Esmeralda Kararaj, DP‐Dhurata Përkeqi, ES‐Enerit Saçdanaku, LP‐Lazjon Petri, *Prof Haxhiu photographed our work at Tales (S)

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Annex 2 ‐ Map shows locations for quadrat samples around Drinit Bay. Map from www.argos‐systems.org adapted by Dr White.

1

2

3 4 5 6 7 9

8

1 Ulcinj, 2 Velipojë, 3 Kune, 4 Vain, 5 Tales, 6 Patoku barrier island, 7 Godull, 8 Ishmit, 9 Southern side of Rodonit.

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Annex 3 – Educational Material LEAFLET Front

Back

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Poster

Sticker

T‐Shirt

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“Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” 2009 PROJECT REPORT

Annex 4 – Press Releases

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