Empowering the Conservation of Sea Turtles, Kenya
Turtle Scientist:
Andrew Wamukota
In association with the Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation Committee (KESCOM)
The need for Conservation and Awareness
All the five sea turtle species (out of seven worldwide) found to forage (Leatherback turtle and Loggerhead turtles) or to nest (the Green Turtle, Hawksbill turtle and Olive Ridley turtle) in Kenya are listed under the IUCN red list as either endangered or critically endangered as well as under appendix 1 of both CITES and CMS (IFAW, WWF, TRAFFIC East Asia, WCS, 2001) and CMS (CMS, 2001a).
Despite this international concern and the local protection of marine turtles by the government legislation through the Fisheries Act (Cap 378) and the Wildlife Act (Cap 376), marine turtles in Kenya are still under threat. Local people are still exploiting sea turtles for their eggs, oil, shells and meat. In addition, turtle nesting beaches (rookeries) are being modified and/or being lost gradually to unplanned coastal development and foraging habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds are being destroyed by pollution, perennial sedimentation and unsustainable fishing. Many turtles are accidentally caught and drowned in fishing gear (mainly trawlers, seine and gill nets) each year (Wamukoya et. al. 1995).
Threats to sea turtles have been identified to emanate from destructive fishing practices, poaching, coastal development and pollution, all motivated by lack of a well-designed education and awareness programs. In Kenya, human related impacts alone are known to account for over 85% of turtle mortalities (Okemwa et al, 2004). This spells a major challenge especially as conservation involves behavioral shifts.
Raising well-informed future generations with strong commitment to sustained management through education and awareness has been singled out as an important activity that will enhance sea turtle conservation in the medium to long- term (Wamukoya et al, 1997). Although results from education and awareness may not be readily apparent and should not be expected in the short-term, the activity forms an important background for sustained future behavior by school children, residents and the fishermen.
Fishermen share habitats with sea turtles during their fishing escapades. Additionally, there are reports where some fishermen have been involved in directly fishing turtles. Although many fishermen are aware that catching turtles is illegal, the practice is still rampant. Anecdotal information asserts that fishermen sometimes kill turtles out of anger after the turtles destroy their nets. Fishermen are therefore an important group that needs to be integrated in the sea turtle conservation initiatives through target education and awareness.
Project Summary
Advance community participation in the conservation and management of sea turtles
This grant will jointly with another grant sourced from the Community Development Trust Fund help in advancing sea turtle conservation through awareness and regular visits to turtle conservation groups
We also propose to continue spreading sea turtle awareness and conservation message by organizing local campaigns and motivate turtle conservation groups (TCGs) continue with beach patrols, mangrove planting (in degraded areas), beach clean ups and provide reports to KESCOM which is the national repository of sea turtle database.
Objectives and Conservation Aims
1. Promote stakeholder involvement in the conservation and management of sea turtles
2. Continually update the national database and provide impetus for the review of the sea turtle recovery action plan for Kenya
3. Contribute towards the review of the Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan
Turtle Scientist:
Andrew Wamukota
In association with the Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation Committee (KESCOM)
The need for Conservation and Awareness
All the five sea turtle species (out of seven worldwide) found to forage (Leatherback turtle and Loggerhead turtles) or to nest (the Green Turtle, Hawksbill turtle and Olive Ridley turtle) in Kenya are listed under the IUCN red list as either endangered or critically endangered as well as under appendix 1 of both CITES and CMS (IFAW, WWF, TRAFFIC East Asia, WCS, 2001) and CMS (CMS, 2001a).
Despite this international concern and the local protection of marine turtles by the government legislation through the Fisheries Act (Cap 378) and the Wildlife Act (Cap 376), marine turtles in Kenya are still under threat. Local people are still exploiting sea turtles for their eggs, oil, shells and meat. In addition, turtle nesting beaches (rookeries) are being modified and/or being lost gradually to unplanned coastal development and foraging habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds are being destroyed by pollution, perennial sedimentation and unsustainable fishing. Many turtles are accidentally caught and drowned in fishing gear (mainly trawlers, seine and gill nets) each year (Wamukoya et. al. 1995).
Threats to sea turtles have been identified to emanate from destructive fishing practices, poaching, coastal development and pollution, all motivated by lack of a well-designed education and awareness programs. In Kenya, human related impacts alone are known to account for over 85% of turtle mortalities (Okemwa et al, 2004). This spells a major challenge especially as conservation involves behavioral shifts.
Raising well-informed future generations with strong commitment to sustained management through education and awareness has been singled out as an important activity that will enhance sea turtle conservation in the medium to long- term (Wamukoya et al, 1997). Although results from education and awareness may not be readily apparent and should not be expected in the short-term, the activity forms an important background for sustained future behavior by school children, residents and the fishermen.
Fishermen share habitats with sea turtles during their fishing escapades. Additionally, there are reports where some fishermen have been involved in directly fishing turtles. Although many fishermen are aware that catching turtles is illegal, the practice is still rampant. Anecdotal information asserts that fishermen sometimes kill turtles out of anger after the turtles destroy their nets. Fishermen are therefore an important group that needs to be integrated in the sea turtle conservation initiatives through target education and awareness.
Project Summary
Advance community participation in the conservation and management of sea turtles
This grant will jointly with another grant sourced from the Community Development Trust Fund help in advancing sea turtle conservation through awareness and regular visits to turtle conservation groups
We also propose to continue spreading sea turtle awareness and conservation message by organizing local campaigns and motivate turtle conservation groups (TCGs) continue with beach patrols, mangrove planting (in degraded areas), beach clean ups and provide reports to KESCOM which is the national repository of sea turtle database.
Objectives and Conservation Aims
1. Promote stakeholder involvement in the conservation and management of sea turtles
2. Continually update the national database and provide impetus for the review of the sea turtle recovery action plan for Kenya
3. Contribute towards the review of the Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan