On our first morning in Watamu, we headed to the Local Ocean Conservation, a sea turtle conservation organization. It is located just a mile from our Airbnb so we decided to walk.
We were greeted by a guide who was extremely knowledgeable and shared information about sea turtles and the work done by the organization. Local Ocean Conservation was originally started by some locals who wanted to make a difference in helping to save the endangered sea turtles. Of the seven species of sea turtles, five can be found off the coast of Kenya. All five species of sea turtles found in Kenya are endangered. The main causes are habitat destruction, pollution and poaching. The Green Turtle is poached for its meat. The Hawkbill Turtle is poached for its shell which is used to make turtle-shell accessories and decorations.
The organization has several main programs. They employ a team who patrols the Watamu coastline to keep track of the sea turtles that come to the shore to lay eggs. The team does what is needed to keep the eggs safe. For example they may move the eggs to a safer location or inform neighboring businesses to dim the lights at night so the new hatchlings will not get confused. The organization educates the local community about anti-poaching and actively liases with the Kenya Wildlife Authorities if there is any sign of poachers. They work with local fisherman in a catch and release program. If local fisherman catch sea turtles in their nets, they are financially incentivized to contact the organization so the sea turtles can be tagged and released or brought to the center if they are in need of medical attention. The medical center in Local Ocean Conservation helps any sea turtles that are hurt or sick. Most of their patients suffer from fibros, caused by pollution in the sea water. The pollution causes tumors to grow all over the turtles’ body and eyes. If untreated, the fibros can cause the sea turtles to go blind and eventually die of starvation. The hospital works with veterinarians to cauterizes the tumors so the turtles can regain their health.
We were able to visit the hospital at the center but at that time, there was only one patient. We could see the tumors growing over the eyes of the turtle and all over its body.
There was a very striking exhibit in their back garden that posed the question on the door to a cabinet, “What is the greatest threat to the ocean?” We stopped to discuss the answer that we all knew was true. When you open the cabinet, there is a mirror inside. What can we do to make a difference? Local Ocean Conservation suggests the following: Eat sustainably caught or raised fish, support companies that are environmentally conscious by buying products and services that support conservation, reduce your carbon footprint, don’t destroy what you came to enjoy and reduce, reuse and recycle.
