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
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Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
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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

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17 Mar 2023

Rescued and rehabilitated, Nala the turtle loves the Zinkwazi vibe

Juan Venter (North Coast Courier) Picture: Nala the green sea turtle.

Three months have passed since Nala the green sea turtle was released at Zinkwazi, and it seems she likes it here, making the North Coast her home for now.

Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research, said Nala was released on December 15 after several weeks in rehabilitation at uShaka Sea World’s sea turtle “hospital”. She was injured after becoming entangled in a fishing net. After her successful rehabilitation, the turtle was set free at Zinkwazi with a satellite tag fitted.

“We do not often get the opportunity of tagging large green turtles along our coastline,” Kunz said, noting they do not nest locally.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about their oceanic journeys along the southern African coastline.”

According to Kunz, however, Nala seems to love the local coastline and has for the time being settled in.

“She has obviously taken to the sub-tropical local climate, particularly the area between Zinkwazi and Tugela Mouth and spends most of her time in a 100 km² area along the 9 km stretch of coastline between the two coastal villages.”

It is estimated she has travelled more than 1 000 km in total since her release.

“We love how ‘residential’ she is at the moment. It is post-nesting season, so she might very well enjoy this area until early summer before heading up the coast to some nesting sites in Mozambique and beyond.”

 

Online Article