Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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19 Aug 2018

Ezemvelo Turtle Monitoring Programme: Turning poachers into custodians

(South Coast Herald) Picture: Greater St Lucia Wetlands - Wikipedia

“A programme such as this does not only create jobs, it also creates custodians of nature and wildlife. “

The nightly ritual of turtles emerging on the shores of the World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park  to lay their eggs first caught the attention of scientists in the 1960s along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. While this had been an extraordinary experience to witness over the years the critically endangered Leatherback and threatened Loggerhead turtle populations began to decline.

It soon became evident that these animals were being killed for their meat, and their eggs were taken illegally by local communities living along the coast. To advance the much-needed protection of the nesting turtles, the Ezemvelo Turtle Monitoring Programme was initiated. To tackle the decline in the nesting turtles’ population, the programme’s aim was, and still is, to turn the poachers into custodians.

 

Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) returning to the sea after nesting (laying eggs). iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park). KwaZulu Natal. South Africa

 Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) returning to the sea after nesting (laying eggs). iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park). KwaZulu Natal. South Africa – Photo: Roger de la Harpe

The programme has seen significant job creation within the coastal communities and created a sense of ownership for the wildlife and the environment along the coastline. To date, due to the initiation of the turtle monitoring programme, the Loggerhead turtles have experienced a significant increase in numbers, while the nesting Leatherback turtle population is stabilising.

There are approximately only 80 nesting Leatherback and 935 Loggerhead turtles that visit our shores annually. The continuation of this programme is necessary as it is their only chance at survival. Turtles play an important role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans. Their roles range from maintaining productive coral reef systems, to transporting essential nutrients from the oceans to beaches and coastal dunes. As the turtle population declines, so does the ability to fulfill vital functions in ocean ecosystems.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Hatchlings. Maputaland. KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Hatchlings – Photo: Roger de la Harpe

“This programme is not only crucial for the survival of the Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtle populations, but also very important for the local communities who are truly invested in it. A programme such as this does not only create jobs, it also creates custodians of nature and wildlife, ambassadors that truly believe in the conservation and protection of unique, bio-diverse areas such as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.” commented Lauren van Nijkerk of the WILDTRUST.

To keep this programme running, WILDOCEANS, a programme of WILDTRUST, has launched a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and DIFFERENT.ORG. The goal is to raise R300 000 for the programme by the end of December 2018. To donate , spread the word and make a difference, simply visit: https://different.org/projects/wildlands-conservation-trust/safeguarding-and-monitoring-turtles/.

“We’re excited to be partnering with WILDTRUST for this hugely impactful programme that seeks to conserve and protect vulnerable turtle populations while involving the local community in this process in a sustainable, meaningful way.” commented Simone Gregor, Head of DIFFERENT.ORG.

 

 

Sea turtle eggs – Wikipedia

Online Article