KZN COASTAL MARINE SEMINAR SERIES

Wildcat Webinar

From Near Collapse to Conservation Success: Tackling the Threats to Nesting Sea Turtles

The discovery of nesting leatherback and loggerhead turtles on the beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal in 1963 coincided with the evidence of active poaching upon emergence to nest, to near extinction. The conservation programme launched in response has become one of the most successful long-term turtle recovery programmes globally. Nesting beach protection, rigorous monitoring, population analysis, and community partnerships support the recovery of Endangered and Critically Endangered species while creating sustainable alternative livelihoods, ultimately benefitting people and strengthening coastal biodiversity stewardship.

SPEAKERS:

◼︎ Mr Santosh Bachoo is a Regional Marine Ecologist: Coast and Estuaries at Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife. He is also the Scientific Project Manager for the annual Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtle Monitoring Programme in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, having 21 years of experience in coastal conservation.

◼︎Dr Welly Qwabe is a Regional Marine Ecologist at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, focusing on the conservation of KwaZulu-Natal's inshore and offshore ecosystems. He collects ecological data to inform management decisions and supports the iSimangaliso Wetland Park turtle monitoring programme.