Protecting the
Green Turtles
Protecting the
Green Turtles
The Turtles of Mnemba Island
In honour of World Turtle Day, we take a closer look at the endangered Green Turtle and the hazards that the world presents to them. The green turtle is one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore amongst them. At only 2 inches at birth, the green turtle can grow up to 5 foot in length as an adult, weighing in at over 700lbs. However, these shy creatures are endangered due to over harvesting of their eggs, hunting of the adults for food, being caught in fishing nets, plastic pollution and the loss of their nesting beach sites.
"When we protect our oceans, we protect our future."
Bill Clinton
With over 70% of the world’s oxygen being produced by marine life, it is of utmost importance that marine conservation and the protection of our ocean’s inhabitants is seen as a necessity and not a choice.
Image courtesy of andBeyond Mnemba Island
Located off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is an exclusive beach paradise showcasing 12 beachside banda’s. An unpretentious island getaway that offers barefoot living in a style that will take your breath away. Mnemba Island is also a protected nesting ground for green turtles and you are able to bear witness to the incredible experience of the hatchlings making their way from their nest to the ocean.
One of only two nesting sites in Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is committed to marine conservation. For over 20 years, the team at andBeyond Mnemba Island have been researching and recording data and more than 60,000 turtles have been born. This number may seem large, but a huge majority of these babies never made it to adulthood.
Every year an average of 38 nests are laid on the island with approximately 100 hatchlings per nest. The conservation teams patrol the beaches daily, monitoring any turtle activity. The turtles often lay their eggs in nests below the high tide mark and are at risk of being washed away. The team steps in and sensitively move the nest to higher ground. Each nest is tagged and thoroughly documented.
Fifty to sixty days later, the hatchlings will emerge from the nest and start making their way to the ocean.
Being part of the conservation process means that you as a guest at Mnemba Island are able to be a part of this occasion and witness the little hatchlings escape to the sea. You will learn about turtle protocol, the conservation process including nesting, tagging and monitoring as well as what the future holds for these little creatures.
"The greatest danger to our planet, is the belief that someone else will save it."
Robert Swan
Only one in 1000 hatchlings makes it to adulthood and it takes 20 years or more for an adult turtle to reach sexual maturity and can start reproducing. In a completely natural unassisted hatching almost 30% of the hatchlings will be taken out by predators even before reaching the sea. At Mnemba Island this number is reduced as the babies are watched over by the team until they make it to their destination.
With only 1% of the hatchlings that make it to sea attaining adulthood, the green turtle is still on the brink of extinction and it is imperative that ecotourism persists in its drive to safeguard our natural world for future generations.
