Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Born Free has been helping to protect dugongs and sea turtles in Tanzania since January 2001, supporting the work of Sea Sense.

Until recently, the dugong was thought to be extinct in Tanzania.  However there is now concrete evidence a small population remains. Plus the seas off Tanzania are home to five species of endangered sea turtles, which were slaughtered for their meat and drowned in fishing nets. 

Poaching of eggs was also commonplace.  Working in partnership with local coastal communities, the University of Dar es Salaam and other stakeholders, Sea Sense aims to protect dugongs and marine turtles and their habitats in Tanzania through community involvement in habitat conservation, nest protection and environmental education activities. 

The project also collects data on the status and distribution of dugongs and turtles - information critical to management.  Finally, Sea Sense promotes local community livelihoods through dugong and turtle-based tourism, provision of incentives and habitat protection.

Read an interview with Catherine Muir

Sea Sense reports for download:

Sea Sense Update July - Dec 2010

“Sea Sense Annual Report 2008” PDF - 1.2MB

A review of all major conservation activities conducted by Sea Sense over these twelve months. Includes sections on turtle nest protection and tagging, dugong surveys, education and awareness raising, involvement in international conservation efforts and other local initiatives.

"The Status of Marine Turtles in the United Republic of Tanzania" PDF- 907KB

A review produced by SeaSense in 2005 of all five marine turtle species found in Tanzanian waters. Includes background biological information, threats and recommendations for research and action. 40 pages.

"Towards a Western Indian Ocean Dugong Conservation Strategy: the status of dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean & priority conservation actions" pdf - 2.3MB

A UNEP / WWF funded report from 2004 on the status of dugongs along the East African coast and nearby island groups (including Madagascar, Seychelles and Comoros). Includes threats and recommendations, and country-by-country assessments. 70 pages.