This collaborative monitoring program focuses on the long-term study of green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerheads (Caretta caretta), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA). By addressing gaps in their in-water ecology, this initiative aims to strengthen conservation strategies and inform adaptive management within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Program Coordinators: Santosh Bachoo, Welly Qwabe (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife)
Co-Workers: Grant Smith (Sharklife NGO), Natalie dos Santos, Diane Le Gouvello, Ronel Nel (Nelson Mandela University)
Permit: Ezemvelo Project
Objectives
- Develop a robust, multi-year photo-ID database to monitor individual turtles and gather biological data.
- Estimate species-specific population trends, abundance, and demographic parameters.
- Refine monitoring methods and identify index sites for long-term data collection.
Why It Matters
Sea turtles are key species in marine ecosystems, yet their in-water life stages remain understudied compared to nesting beaches. The iSimangaliso MPA provides critical neritic habitats where turtles forage, rest, and breed. Long-term monitoring will ensure these habitats are effectively protected while informing management strategies on population health and human impacts.
Monitoring Sites
Initial monitoring focuses on high-priority sites, including:
- Quarter Mile Reef (Sodwana Bay): Year-round resident turtles in high-disturbance zones.
- Saxon’s Reef (Kosi): Key site for breeding loggerheads and leatherbacks.
- Adlam’s Reef: Unique algal-dominated habitat supporting skittish green turtles.
- Raggie Reef: Low-disturbance refuge for mixed turtle populations.
Research Methods
The program employs a combination of innovative, non-invasive techniques:
- Underwater Visual Census (UVC): Photo-ID and behavioral observations by trained divers.
- Remote Underwater Video (RUV): Long-term, motion-triggered video monitoring.
- Citizen Science: Public submissions of turtle sightings via an online platform.
Collaborators
This program is a collaboration between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Sharklife NGO, Nelson Mandela University, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. Together, these organizations are committed to conserving South Africa’s sea turtle populations and their habitats.