Latest news with #Hawksbill
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kenya NGO saves turtles from nets, plastic and rising tides
A small charity on the Kenyan coast has become vital to the region's majestic turtle population, saving thousands from poachers, fishermen's nets and ever-worsening plastic pollution. On the beach of the seaside town of Watamu, it took four men to heave the huge Loggerhead sea turtle into the back of a car. She had just been saved from a fishing tackle and was then taken to a nearby clinic to be checked for injuries, then weighed, tagged and released back into the sea. A Kenyan NGO, Local Ocean Conservation (LOC), has been doing this work for almost three decades and has carried out some 24,000 rescues. 'Every time I release a turtle, it's a really great joy for me. My motivation gets stronger and stronger,' said Fikiri Kiponda, 47, who has been part of LOC's 20-odd staff for 16 years. LOC began life in 1997 as a group of volunteers who hated seeing the creatures being eaten or dying in nets. Turtles are still poached for their shells, meat and oil. But through the charity's awareness campaigns in schools and villages, 'perceptions have significantly changed', said Kiponda. LOC, which relies mostly on donations, compensates fishermen for bringing them injured turtles. More than 1,000 fishermen participate in the scheme and mostly do so for the sake of conservation, the charity emphasized, since the reward does not offset the hours of lost labour. A young Hawksbill sea turtle, under observation at the rehabilitation centre of Local Ocean Conservation, is transported to a local hospital for an x-ray scan in Watamu.--AFP photos A young Green sea turtle released by staff from Local conservation makes its way back into the ocean in Watamu. Fikiri Kaponda and Jonathan from the Local Ocean Conservation prepares to release a young Green sea turtle that was caught by a fisherman. A staff member from the Local Ocean Conservation puts a tag on the back flipper of a young Green sea turtle that was caught by a fisherman. Staff members from Local Ocean Conservation and fishermen carry a mature Loggerhead sea turtle from a fishing boat, that was hooked out on the open water. A staff member from Local Ocean Conservation relocates sea turtle eggs from a nesting site that was to close to the water. Staff from Local Ocean Conservation and fishermen lifting a mature Loggerhead sea turtle into a car. A general view of a x-ray scan of a Green sea turtle, that floats but is unable to dive, under observation at the rehabilitation center of Local Ocean Conservation Watamu Hospital. Pupils look at a sea turtle during a visit at the Local Ocean Conservation. Floating turtles At the NGO's nearby clinic, health coordinator Lameck Maitha, 34, said turtles are often treated for broken bones and tumours caused by a disease called fibropapillomatosis. One current in-patient is Safari, a young Olive Ridley turtle around 15 years old - turtles can live beyond 100 - transported by plane from further up the coast. She arrived in a dire state, barely alive and with a bone protruding from her flipper, which ultimately had to be amputated - likely the result of fighting to free herself from a fisherman's net. Safari has been recovering well and the clinic hopes she can return to the sea. Other frequent tasks include removing barnacles that embed themselves in shells and flippers, weakening their host. But a growing danger is plastic pollution. If a turtle eats plastic, it can create a blockage that in turn creates gas, making the turtle float and unable to dive. In these cases, the clinic gives the turtle laxatives to clear out its system. 'We are seeing more and more floating turtles because the ocean has so much plastic,' said Maitha. Survivors LOC also works to protect 50 to 100 nesting sites, threatened by rising sea levels. Turtles travel far and wide but always lay their eggs on the beach where they were born, and Watamu is one of the most popular spots. Every three or four years, they produce hundreds of eggs, laid during multiple sessions over several months, that hatch after around 60 days. The charity often relocates eggs that have been laid too close to the sea. Marine biologist Joey Ngunu, LOC's technical manager, always calls the first to appear Kevin. 'And once Kevin comes out, the rest follow,' he said with a smile, describing the slow, clumsy procession to the water, preferably at night to avoid predators as much as possible. Only one in a thousand reaches adulthood of 20 to 25 years. 'Living in the sea as a turtle must be crazy. You have to face so many dangers, fish and poachers, and now human pressure with plastic and commercial fishing,' he said. 'Turtles are definitely survivors.' — AFP
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Green Turtles at Ras al Jinz
Sur – A fortunate few may witness the celestial waltz of the soft-hued rising sun, the effervescence of the ocean, and wet ochre sands – all in one frame – at 4am at Raz al Jinz beach, around 60km from Sur city, the capital of Sharqiyah South Governorate. The hour before dawn is said to be sacred in many cultures. As I stood at the edge of that sleepy beach, I imagined how our ancestors, the early risers, must have felt at this hour. Empty roads behind us, dark clouds above, as faint rays of silver sunlight begin to peek through the rugged mountains. Cold mist from the sea kissed the sands, and silence echoed through every wave that hit the shore. Each step was slow, pulled lovingly but stubbornly by thick wet silica, drawing our bodies into the beach as if to keep us grounded to its ancient memory. Then came a shiver. Gentle, soft, but unmistakable. The sand trembled faintly beneath our feet. And from this trembling earth emerged a pair of eyes -sleepy, curious and wise. A mother green turtle! She must have weighed close to 100kg. As brightening sunlight played spoilsport, revealing her secret nest as well as those of many other turtles in the vicinity of the beach, it was, probably, time for her to leave. Her work was done and the sea beckoned her back into its salty embrace. These magnificent creatures – green turtles – are a treasure of Oman, and Ras Al Jinz is among the most sacred places to witness their story. Located near Ras Al Hadd, near Sur (around 250km from Muscat), this protected reserve is the only proclaimed nesting ground for turtles in the country. Other beaches along its 45km stretch are closed between 5pm and 5am, ensuring that nature remains undisturbed when the turtles crawl ashore under the moonlight. Guided tours at sunrise and sunset allow visitors to witness this ancient ritual. The nesting turtles, aged between 30 to 40 years and weighing up to 120kg, return to the same shores to lay their eggs (around 100 at a time) several times a season. Afterward, they migrate across oceans, only to return again to this exact stretch of sand, led by memory and instinct. A short drive away is the serene Turtle Beach Resort, a haven for tourists -international and domestic – who seek a retreat far from the chaos of modern life. This is one explicit activity which people from around the world flock to witness from June to September when the green turtles – an endangered species – come ashore to lay their eggs (around 10,000 – 13,000 each season). Visitors are offered a chance to witness the turtles laying eggs during the wee hours while some may even be lucky to spot other species of turtles that pass by, including the Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtle. They also have the option of either staying in the facility at the reserve or in nearby hotels in Sur. Turtle Beach Resort is a traditional Omani resort with a makeshift dhow overlooking the Arabian Sea, celebrating local culture and hospitality. With 54 rooms, it offers direct access to the beach, and has a swimming pool, BBQ areas, a basketball court, and a warm communal space. By 10 pm, lights go off, leaving the stars to light up not just the sky, but also the soul. The resort is also deeply committed to turtle conservation. As Ankit Kushwah, the operations supervisor, explained, 'We actively monitor nesting sites, conduct beach clean-ups, and educate our guests about marine conservation. If we find an injured turtle, we immediately contact Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to ensure proper care and rehabilitation.' He also disclosed that, though the nesting season is from June to October, tourists arrive all through the year, especially those from Italy, Germany, France, Russia, the UK come from October to April when the weather cools off. As evening fades, guests retire early, setting alarms for the appointed hour – 4 am – when the cool sands come alive again. We tread softly across the beach, our feet brushing against ancient shells. A sudden poke from a millennia-old remnant nudges my toe, but I hold back a gasp. I do not want to disturb the nesting turtles. From the shifting granules of sand, a turtle emerges slowly, steadily, her heavy form moving with the rhythm of time. As she flips each thick flipper, each movement altering the shade of the sand around her. This is her fleeting moments before she returns to the ocean. I crouch quietly, and beneath her I glimpse the gelatinous, golden eggs – her pride and legacy. I raise my camera, eager to freeze the miracle. But something within me did not let the shutter click. I let her moment live, unframed. With great effort, she begins her journey back. There's a struggle – sand below, wind above – but she continues. Our guide, Syed, watches with a soft smile. He has been witnessing these spectacular 'ladies' for decades and knows well how they travel back safely. We all hold our breath. She looks back once, then onward she crawls, pulling her weight across the shore. She is returning to the ocean, to her family. Perhaps her mate waits patiently beyond or beneath those salty waves. Maybe, he is wary of her safety. She comes bearing a promise that their children will soon meet him in the vast embrace of the ocean. Somewhere, beneath the blue surface, love and rest awaits her.
Syyaha
4 days ago
- General
- Syyaha
JUMEIRAH MARKS WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY WITH NEW MILESTONES IN MARINE CONSERVATION
United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 16 June 2025: In celebration of World Sea Turtle Day, Jumeirah – together with members of the community, guests and partners – released 72 rehabilitated sea turtles back into their natural habitat this morning. The release included Hawksbill and Green turtles, and marks a significant milestone for the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), with over 2,300 turtles now returned to the wild since its launch in 2004. Among those released was Najeeb – meaning 'noble' and 'generous' in Arabic – an 80kg male Green turtle rescued in December 2024 with severe injuries to both front flippers. Najeeb was one of two turtles fitted with a satellite tracker, allowing the DTRP team to monitor his journey after release. The last time the team released a male Green turtle of similar size, it travelled all the way to nesting sites in Oman. Najeeb is one of many turtles nursed back to health by the dedicated team at the DTRP, based at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem. Each release marks a meaningful step forward in the ongoing mission to protect marine life and preserve biodiversity in the Arabian Gulf. This year, the DTRP reached a significant conservation milestone with the rare rescue of a Loggerhead baby – a species not known to nest in the Arabian Gulf. The tiny turtle, discovered earlier this year, represents an important finding in marine science for the region. According to experts from the IUCN and regional organisations, there are no previous records of Loggerhead turtles nesting inside the Gulf. 'This was a remarkable moment for our team and a meaningful step forward in our understanding of sea turtles in the Gulf,' commented Barbara Lang-Lenton, Director of Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and DTRP lead. ' Sea turtles have remarkably complex biology, and there is still much to uncover about their behaviours, migration patterns, and nesting habits in this region. Each new finding, like this one, helps us piece together a more complete picture of their presence and life cycles in the Gulf, guiding future conservation efforts. Although the Loggerhead baby was not part of today's release, it is expected to return to the wild in the coming months. This discovery follows another milestone in 2024, when a Green turtle nest was recorded in Abu Dhabi for the first time, underscoring the growing importance of the region in global marine conservation efforts. To further celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a variety of conservation-focused activities took place across Jumeirah's portfolio. In Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), hosted an intimate release of 135 sea turtles on its pristine beachfront. Meanwhile, guests at Jumeirah Bali witnessed the release of newly hatched turtles into their natural habitat, as part of a long-standing collaboration with Eco Tourism Bali. The event also featured an engaging educational programme on sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting marine biodiversity – fostering greater awareness of ocean health and encouraging responsible travel. Beyond turtle rehabilitation, Jumeirah has been expanding its marine conservation initiatives through coral restoration efforts – one of several projects under the 'Planet' pillar of its sustainability strategy. A new coral nursery at the Turtle Lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem is now visible to guests and incorporated into daily educational experiences. In collaboration with ecosystem restoration specialists Ocean Revive, the team is researching and testing new technologies to grow and reintroduce corals into the sea. So far over 1,400 fragments have been created, with over 300 already translocated to the sea. In addition, Jumeirah continues to support DUBAI REEF – a pioneering purpose-built reef development and one of the largest in the world – which aims to increase marine biodiversity and protect the emirate's coastal ecosystems. Reflecting Dubai's commitment to marine conservation, the three-year initiative will see over 20,000 reef modules deployed across 600 square kilometres to restore marine habitats and support the growth of indigenous corals, thereby enhancing marine life. As part of this initiative, Jumeirah is contributing through coral fragmentation work at the turtle lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, where small coral fragments – known as 'frags' – are attached to circular discs, often called 'coral cookies', providing a stable base for growth and easy handling. To date, more than 3,000 coral fragments have been created through this process, contributing to the initiative's broader goal to help repopulate and strengthen local reef systems. Jumeirah's commitment to marine preservation extends across its global portfolio, with impactful initiatives at its resorts in Tanzania and the Maldives. At Jumeirah Thanda Island, the team partners with local NGOs Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) and Sea Sense to protect whale sharks and endangered turtles and engage local communities through education and conservation training. In the Maldives, guests at Jumeirah Olhahali Island actively contribute to reef restoration to help regenerate the vibrant marine habitats that surround the resort. These interconnected efforts reflect Jumeirah's wider sustainability vision, grounded in the principles of people, planet and responsible governance. With every turtle released, coral fragment planted, and guest educated, the brand reaffirms its mission to preserve the marine ecosystems that surround its hotels and resorts. For information on sustainability at Jumeirah and to learn more about the DTRP, visit Sustainability | About Jumeirah | Jumeirah.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Turtles are key indicators of healthy environ, awareness must to save them'
1 2 Varanasi: To mark World Turtle Day, the forest department on Friday organised a seminar at Sarnath Zoo to raise awareness and sensitivity towards conservation of turtles. Every year on May 23, World Turtle Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the declining number of turtles globally, protect their habitats, arrange for their rehabilitation, and rescue them. Forest conservator of Varanasi Circle Ravi Kumar Singh said "Turtles are one of the oldest living species in the world, dating back about 200 million years, existing even before birds, snakes and lizards. Their presence in the ecosystem is crucial as they are considered indicators of a healthy environment. They play a significant role in the food chain, and their existence is vital for controlling several plant and fish species. " He said there are over 300 species of turtles worldwide, with around 130 declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, there are 29 species of turtles, including 24 species of tortoises (land turtles) and 5 species of sea turtles. Most of these turtles are protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. According to him, India is home to five species of sea turtles, including Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green Turtle and Hawksbill. The first three are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the Green Turtle is Endangered, and the Hawksbill is Critically Endangered. Without conservation efforts, these species may soon become extinct. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
23-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Forest department hosts seminar at Varanasi's Sarnath Zoo on World Turtle Day
Representative Image VARANASI: The forest department organised a seminar at Sarnath Zoo on Friday to raise awareness and sensitivity towards turtle conservation on World Turtle Day. Every year on May 23, World Turtle Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the declining number of turtles globally, protect their habitats, arrange for their rehabilitation, and rescue them. Ravi Kumar Singh, Forest Conservator of Varanasi Circle, said that turtles are one of the oldest living species in the world, dating back about 200 million years, existing even before birds, snakes, and lizards. Their presence in the ecosystem is crucial as they are considered indicators of a healthy environment. They play a significant role in the food chain, and their existence is vital for controlling several plant and fish species. He said that today, there are over 300 species of turtles worldwide, with around 130 declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, there are 29 species of turtles, including 24 species of tortoises (land turtles) and 5 species of sea turtles. Most of these turtles are protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. According to him, India is home to five species of sea turtles, including Olive Ridley , Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green Turtle, and Hawksbill. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo The first three are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the Green Turtle is Endangered, and the Hawksbill is Critically Endangered. Without conservation efforts, these species may soon become extinct. Dr Ravi Kumar Singh, Forest Conservator of Varanasi Circle, stated that on the occasion of World Turtle Day, a seminar on turtle conservation will be organised at Sarnath Zoo at 11:30 AM to raise awareness and sensitivity towards turtle conservation.
