Protecting the Seven Beaches—A Community’s Fight to Save Sea Turtles in Malindi-Watamu Seascape
Building a Patrol Force from the Community
Along the stunning coastline of Malindi-Watamu in Kilifi County, a powerful grassroots movement is making waves in marine conservation. The “Protecting the Seven Beaches” project is a community-led initiative dedicated to safeguarding endangered sea turtles across seven vital nesting beaches. With the support of four Beach Management Units (BMUs)—Mayungu, Watamu, Uyombo, and Roka—local champions are stepping up to protect these vulnerable marine creatures.
Eight passionate individuals—two from each BMU—were selected for their dedication to marine life and deep ecological knowledge. These community members now form the frontline patrol team, responsible for:
• Monitoring nesting sites
• Relocating nests from unsafe areas
• Preventing poaching through rapid response
Their presence has transformed local conservation efforts into a vigilant, community-driven force.
Supporting through specialized Training & Equipment
Training & Tools:
- > Sea turtle nesting behavior
- > Safe nest relocation techniques
- > Data collection and reporting
Essential Equipment Distributed:
- > GPS-enabled mobile phones for tracking
> Nest relocation tool kits
> Headlamps for night patrols
> Raincoats for all-weather readiness
Saving Lives One Nest at a Time
During the April–September nesting season, 40 sea turtle nests were recorded. Most were found in Watamu Marine Protected Area and Kivunjeni (Roka). Due to safety concerns, all Kivunjeni nests were relocated to Uyombo. Sadly, two nests were attacked by mongoose—one partially, the other completely destroyed.
Thanks to the patrol team’s dedication, hatchling survival rates have improved and egg loss has been minimized.
Rescue Missions: Turtles Saved from Poaching
On June 12th, two adult turtles—one male and one female—were found trapped in a jariffe net at Jacaranda. The patrol team quickly alerted Bahari Hai, who rescued and rehabilitated the turtles.
In Kivunjeni, two more turtles were saved from poaching attempts—one tied to a cliff, another trapped upside down in a hole. These rescues underscore the importance of community vigilance.
Despite successes, poaching remains a serious threat. A Bahari Hai survey revealed that harmful fishing practices and low community awareness have led to nest absences in some areas. One tragic incident involved a turtle poached before laying eggs at Jacaranda.
Recommendations
The “Protecting the Seven Beaches” project has made significant strides in sea turtle conservation through community empowerment and targeted interventions. However, continued efforts are essential to eliminate poaching and ensure long-term protection of these endangered species.
To build on current achievements, the project recommends:
• Stronger collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service and law enforcement
• Expanded community education and sensitization
• Real-time mobile data tools for reporting
• Increased patrols during peak nesting seasons
A huge thanks to our partner SEETURTLE
Written by Newton Shungu & Lewa Kadenge
