Turtle ambassadors in Msambweni have been equipped with specialised tools to strengthen protection efforts for endangered sea turtles along Kenya’s South Coast.
The equipment was distributed by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) during a community training programme bringing together Beach Management Units (BMUs), fishermen and conservation volunteers.
ANAW’s Isaac Maina said the tools are essential in ensuring the safe handling of turtle eggs and rescuing turtles caught in fishing nets.
“We have provided equipment for collecting and transferring turtle eggs, recording nesting times, and safely handling rescued turtles. Fishermen have also been given tools to repair nets after freeing trapped turtles,” Maina said.
Among the items distributed include gloves, sacks, buckets for egg transfer, spades for accessing buried nests, and shading materials to protect eggs from heat exposure. Fishermen received thread and repair kits to help mend damaged nets after rescue operations.
Maina noted that the equipment is expected to reduce egg destruction, improve hatch success rates and increase survival chances for turtles along the coastline.
All five turtle species found in Kenyan waters, Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback, are classified as endangered.
Maina said that human activity remains the leading threat to turtles, including egg harvesting, plastic pollution, accidental capture during fishing and climate change.
“These tools empower communities to directly protect turtles. When people have the right equipment, they act faster and more effectively to save both eggs and injured turtles,” he said.
Msambweni Turtle Ambassador chairperson Hussein Ali Mwabori said the tools will address major challenges faced during nest protection.
“Many turtles lay eggs in areas that are flooded, have roots or are exposed to direct sunlight. With the buckets and spades, we can relocate eggs to safer areas, while covers help protect them from heat,” he said.
Bakari Mshamanga Zonga, a turtle ambassador from Funzi BMU, said the equipment will also support sustainable fishing practices.
“When a turtle is trapped in nets, you can now rescue it without destroying your nets. This helps conservation and protects fishermen’s livelihoods,” he said.
ANAW said it will continue supporting community-led conservation through training and equipment provision across coastal areas.
Apart from sensitising the community on turtle conservation, the group also carried out a beach cleaning exercise.