The citizen science initiative was established in December 2013. The purpose of the project is for government officials, scientists and the general public (citizen scientists) to join forces, and work together to increase our knowledge and understanding of sea turtles on the east coast of South Africa. The initiative encourages all divers to be marine citizen scientists by collecting information about turtles when they dive, and submitting the information, including pictures and observations, via an online data sheet. This information will help scientists determine where different kinds of turtles like to do different things, and how the turtles interact with each other and the environment. Government officials and managers can then use this information to help with the on-going protection and conservation of sea turtles in South Africa.

The information collected will also contribute to a Masters degree for a student at Nelson Mandela University. For more information on this study, click here.

Back to the main menu