Since December 2024, through our Making Waves in the Caribbean initiative, The Living Ocean has been honored to collaborate with the renowned NGO Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB). Established in 1991, STCB is a pioneering organization dedicated to the research and conservation of sea turtles on Bonaire, a small yet ecologically vital island in the Caribbean.
Located along the northeastern coast of Unguja, Zanzibar, this vibrant dolphin habitat faces increasing boat traffic due to growing tourism, particularly around Mnemba Island. While dolphin-watching presents valuable economic and educational opportunities, it also raises concerns about balancing human curiosity with marine conservation.
Initiated in July 2023, the Livelihood Fisherman Project addresses the challenges faced by the fishing community in Matemwe, Zanzibar. Confronted with declining fish stocks due to overfishing and the establishment of marine protected areas where a no fishing zone is applied, the community seeks alternative livelihood options. Throughout conducted surveys in the fisherman community, an innovative and sustainable solution emerged: sea cucumber (Sandfish Holothuria Scabra) farming!
An initiative aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation issues in the Caribbean. The project involves a unique sailing expedition that combines adventure, education, and hands-on conservation efforts to protect the delicate marine ecosystems of the Caribbean.
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant decline in global sea turtle populations. Human activities, such as tourism, have resulted in the degradation of nesting beaches. Additionally, the harvesting of sea turtles has led to the majority of sea turtle species being classified as vulnerable or endangered.
In Matemwe (north-east of Zanzibar) lies the the Zanzibar Reef. This is a shallow coral reef, providing natural breakwaters which buffer shorelines from waves and storms. Their rough surfaces and complex structures disperse the force of incoming waves. This prevents flooding, erosion, property damage and loss of life.
Millions of animals are killed by plastic every year. From birds to fish and other marine organisms, nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are affected by plastics. Most animal deaths are caused by entanglement or starvation. Almost every species of seabird eats plastic.
In Zanzibar 18% of the population lives below the basic need poverty line. Overfishing and tourism activities increased considerably in the last decade. In this way communities try to provide for themselves. But this also puts intense pressure on the reef: corals are dying and the fish population decreases drastically.
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. An enormous diversity of life is found in the habitats created by corals. Did you know about 25% of the ocean’s fish depends on healthy coral reefs. Fish and other organisms shelter, find food, reproduce and raise their babies in the corals.
Several years ago, the waters of Mnemba Island were home to dozens of Green & Hawksbill turtles. Nowadays only a few remain.