This project falls under SHARKLIFE MAIN OBJECTIVE: Through scientific research, education and awareness bring about positive change to the current destructive trends of ocean exploitation. The aim of this study is to describe the ecology and population dynamics of non-nesting sea turtles found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (ISWP)

Image: Mike Fraser

Project Overview:

Between November and March every year, female D. coriacea and C. caretta nest on the beaches of the Kwa-Zulu-Natal coast. Current sea turtle research focuses mainly on these nesting species. There are vast knowledge gaps pertaining to the ecology and population dynamics of sea turtles that don’t nest on the South African coastline, such as C. mydas, E. imbricata and L. olivacea.

The results of long-term monitoring will improve understanding on population size, sex ratios    and health status of these species occurring in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Long term data collection has already resulted in the discovery of a decreased size of sexually mature C. caretta and D. coriacea in South Africa within the recent years (comment by Prof. Nel)

Principal Researcher: Natalie Dos Santos (NMU)

If you would like to be part of this annual study please review the options on our Internship Page 

This study is in collaboration with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Nelson Mandela University and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.