Port protects sea turtles

Education and monitoring is key

GHANA: As part of the Tema Port Expansion Project, Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) developed a comprehensive Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to protect sea turtles in Prampram, New Ningo, and Old Ningo.

Through sensitisation programs, MPS is educating schools and communities in the Ningo-Prampram District on the importance of protecting these vital marine species during their nesting season, which runs from October to March.

This plan includes continuous beach monitoring, habitat restoration, and community education initiatives. A cornerstone of the BAP is the establishment and operation of the MPS Sea Turtle Conservation hatchery in Ningo, which has significantly contributed to marine ecosystem restoration. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has successfully incubated and released over 90,000 hatchlings into the ocean, with more than 48,000 originating from the Prampram-Ningo hatchery alone.

MPS launched another series of advocacy programs this year, starting with school sensitisation sessions where participants learned how sea turtles support ecotourism, enhance fish populations by feeding on jellyfish, and serve as indicators of a thriving marine environment. Students were encouraged to support conservation by keeping beaches clean and reporting harmful activities.

Community engagement was another key focus, with awareness sessions held in New Ningo attracting 106 participants, including fishermen, traders, and security personnel. These sessions highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting sea turtles and preserving the marine environment for future generations.