Marine life experts from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) have had the nest under watch and protection since the large leatherback, estimated to weigh about 300kg, laid the nest at about 00:50am on Jan 1.
While the site of the nest remains sealed off, further back near the beach road a large sign, decorations of turtles and educational displays have been set up to mark the occasion. Food vendors are on site to cater to those hoping to see the hatching.
The officers believe that from studying the nest, and its temperature, the eggs are likely to hatch tonight (Feb 26).
The officers believe the nest contains 50-60 eggs.
The nest is the first to be seen laid at Kata Beach for 20 years, noted Dr Pornsri Suthanaruk, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine Natural Resources throughout the country.
Of note, Dr Pornsri for years served as the Director of Environmental Office Region 15, based in Phuket, respodning to issues such as dirty beach water and haze over Phuket.
“We have not seen any turtle nests laid here for a long time because the area is usually full of tourists. Now people are waiting for this nest, laid on New Year’s Day, to hatch, which should be tomorrow [Feb 26],” Dr Pornsri said last night.
“It is a good sign indicating the return of Phuket’s marine life,” she added.