Flagship programme
Sea Turtle Conservation
Protecting one of the Kenya’s loved species through community presence, science, and shared stewardship.
Why sea turtles matter
Sea turtles are Pwani Bora’s flagship species because their wellbeing tells a bigger story about the health of our coast. When nesting beaches are disturbed, when harmful fishing practices increase, or when nearshore habitats decline, turtles are often among the first to show us that the balance of the ocean is under pressure.
In Watamu and along the wider coast, protecting turtles means protecting beaches, seagrass, reefs, and the livelihoods that depend on them. Our role is to stand alongside local communities, fishers, Beach Management Units, and conservation partners so that protection is practical, trusted, and rooted in place.
We believe long-term conservation works best when communities lead and knowledge is shared. That is why our sea turtle work combines daily presence on the beach, careful monitoring, response to threats, and support for local leadership that can sustain this work for generations.
Key activities
What we do
Our sea turtle programme combines field protection, collaboration, and practical learning so conservation stays active, local, and effective all year round.
Nest monitoring & protection
We monitor and protect turtle nests within and outside of protected areas, while also supporting other organizations and groups along the Kenyan coast and beyond! This helps ensure the deep experience and knowledge our team has, is shared to others in a collective effort to help protect these incredible animals.
Bycatch mitigation
We address illegal and destructive fishing gears and behaviours by working with fishers, BMUs, law enforcement, and communities. The goal is not only enforcement, but practical solutions that reduce harm to turtles while supporting healthier fisheries.
Photo-identification
Using non-invasive facial scale patterns, we help identify individual turtles over time and build a clearer picture of movement, survival, and site use. Citizen science contributions are welcome, helping more people take part in understanding and protecting marine life.
Training & capacity development
We share methods, tools, and field knowledge so other groups can work to global best practice and grow into independent, confident conservation leaders in their own places.
Help protect the coast we share
Whether you give, volunteer, or partner with us, you help keep sea turtle conservation rooted in community, science, and long-term care for Watamu’s coast.
Partners and collaborators matter to this work. We welcome support from local leaders, researchers, responsible visitors, and organizations who believe ocean health and community wellbeing belong together.
