Sea turtles face a number of threats both on land and at sea
in The Gambian waters some of which we have listed below. There are steps we
can all take to help the sea turtles, whether it is refusing a one time use
plastic straw or plastic bag, turning off coastal lights at night, respecting
and not disturbing nesting sea turtles or only buying fish from sustainable
sources there is something each one of us can do!
More common threats to sea turtles of The Gambia include:
Inadequate penalties under
the Fisheries and Conservation Act for the use of illegal fishing gear
such as drag nets
Limited sensitization of
both coastal communities and fishermen due to limited funding
Insufficient inspection of
fishing trawlers operating on the high sea
By-catch of turtles in both
commercial and artisanal fisheries causing high mortality rates
Loss of nesting habitat due
to construction of hotels, beach bars and beach riding on the coastline
Bright lights along the
coastline can deter nesting turtles and also disorientate hatchlings
Illegal sand mining on the
coastline leading to increased coastal erosion and habitat loss
Over-development by
businesses along the coastline to attract investors
Poaching of nesting turtles
for their meat
Poaching of nests for their
eggs
Turtles are facing many threats but at Smile For Life we are
working to reduce these threats. To learn more about what we are doing please go
to Our Work.