Renewed efforts by sea turtle conservationists in the conservation of the endangered species are paying off as communities have embraced the protection of turtle nesting sites.
Through multi-stakeholder partnerships, it is hoped that conservation efforts to protect the endangered sea turtle population from getting extinct will continue to bear fruit.
According to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), there are seven species of sea turtles, five are found in Kenya’s coastlines: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridleys Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle. The five species are endangered.
Last year CS for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza unveiled the Sea Turtle Conservation Protocol.
Marine experts have hailed efforts undertaken by stakeholders in marine ecosystem conservation after the release of over 100 endangered green sea turtle hatchlings from their nesting sites into the ocean at Nyali Beach in Mombasa County.
KWS says the green turtles usually nest along Kenya’s coastline and are among the most exploited species, leading to a drastic decline in their population.
Dr Mohamed Omar, Head of Marine and Conservation at Wildlife Research and Training Institute said the turtles are protected by the wildlife act and Kenya has signed a treaty with other African countries that spearheads the protection and conservation of turtles.
“Turtles have been integrated with coastal people’s traditions and for a long time have been used as food with existing beliefs that turtles cure asthma and improve health. Those have been used as an excuse to catch them,” said Dr Omar.
The released green sea turtle hatchlings, Dr Omar said will migrate to as far as Mauritius and return after 25 years to hatch thus their habitats shouldn’t be interfered with through human activities.
“This beach should not be fenced or have too many lights. There is an urgent need to protect our beaches to preserve the existence of turtles,Turtles migrate as far as Mozambique, and Mauritius, if their habitat is destroyed they won’t be able to hatch,” said Dr Omar.
He added that turtle conservation projects are a great way of protecting sea turtles and coastal ecosystems.
Dr Omar disclosed that there will be an international meeting next year in Mombasa to deliberate on issues affecting turtles as endangered species.
Saidi Shee, Deputy Marine Park Warden Mombasa said sensitisation and awareness among communities has helped greatly in marine life conservation.
Shee called for proper waste management as one of the factors that will save marine life among sea turtles.
“We have been encouraging local communities to step up this initiative we have also been involved in education and awareness among the youths. The communities are embracing this initiative,” said Shee adding that 120 turtles were released to the sea.
“Turtles are facing many threats starting from poaching which is rampant in many parts, accidental bycatch, and pollution affect many turtles due to eating plastics this is the reason we encourage people to make sure they dispose of their garbage and marine debris responsibly,” he said. “Because everything ends up in the ocean and it has been affecting fisheries resources.”
Abeid Mohamed, Honorary Warden and Head of a Community Based Organisation; Early Bird Banda is spearheading the conservation efforts in the Nyali beach area for the majestic creatures.
Mohamed revealed that over 1,000 hatchlings have been released to the sea from March this year as a result of an informed community.
Mombasa residents who got wind of the release woke up early to witness the exercise.
Among them was Ibrahim Hamisi who hailed the community for their support and shunning traditional beliefs and cultures that were endangering turtles.
By Sadik Hassan
