Place sea turtles can call home till they are ready for the ocean

What you need to know:

  • CS Balala has publicised Watamu sanctuary.

  • Since the centre opened in 1997, it has rescued and released more than 13,000 turtles into the ocean.

  • Schools have also been bringing students to study marine eco-tourism at the centre, which also attracts a good number of tourists.

  • The centre was recently in the news when Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala visited it to release a turtle.

At the far end of the pristine beaches of Watamu in Kilifi County lies Watamu Turtle Watch, a sanctuary for nesting sea turtles.

Started by Watamu residents in 1997, the centre is under the management of Local Ocean Trust, a private not-for-profit organisation committed to the protection of Kenya’s marine environment.

The centre was recently in the news when Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala visited it to release a turtle, which he named Kasa Balala, into the ocean in an event beamed live to the world.

Watamu Turtle Watch general manager Casper Van De Geer said since the centre opened in 1997, it has rescued and released more than 13,000 turtles into the ocean.

“Through our NGO called Local Ocean Trust, we started the centre to rescue endangered turtles, rehabilitate them and release them to the ocean.

“The turtle the Cabinet Secretary released is estimated to be between five and six years old,” he said.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Mr Van De Geer said the centre runs a number of programmes which include nest monitoring and protection, catch net release and a centre for sick and injured turtles.

He said part of the work is to ensure the future of sea turtles, protection of a fragile marine environment and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the Watamu area.

“In the nest monitoring and protection programme, we monitor and protect nesting female sea turtles, their nests and their hatchlings. In the by-catch release programme we work with local fishermen who accidentally net turtles,” he said.

He said some turtles brought to the centre need the attention of a specialist until such time they are strong enough to survive in the wild.

“We are always looking for ways to help the local community, especially when it comes to alternative income generating projects that take the pressure off over exploited marine resources and dependency on tourism,” he said.

Mr Van De Geer said for several years there has been mounting concern in Kenya as the number of human-related threats on the marine environment has been rising.

At the centre, visitors get a chance to see various species of turtles.

Schools have also been bringing students to study marine eco-tourism at the centre, which also attracts a good number of tourists.

Some of the species found in Kenyan waters include the Olive Ridley, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles.