by Xinhua writers Hua Hongli, Lin Guangyao, Lucas Liganga
ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Along Zanzibar's northern coast in Tanzania, a quiet tidal lagoon has become a lifeline for some of the world's most vulnerable marine creatures.
At the Mnarani Turtle Conservation Project site, rescued sea turtles glide slowly through clear waters, having survived fishing nets, injuries and a once-thriving trade that nearly drove them to disappearance.
"For many years, the turtle population was declining very rapidly," said Mahmoud Juma, a conservationist at the project. "People used to eat the meat, collect the eggs, and sell the shells."
Founded in 1993, the community-led initiative transformed what was once a fishing site into a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles back into the Indian Ocean.
Today, it also serves as an education hub, raising awareness among fishermen, schoolchildren and local residents about marine conservation and plastic pollution.
Most turtles arrived at the sanctuary as unintended bycatch. Trapped in nets meant for fish, they often sustained bruises, cuts and exhaustion. Instead of taking them home for consumption, a common practice in the past, fishermen now bring the injured animals to the center.
"All the turtles you see here were rescued," Juma explained. "When they arrive, they are often very weak. We treat them, give them time to recover, and when they are strong enough, we release them back into their natural habitat."
The lagoon, naturally formed by tidal flows, provides a safe environment for rehabilitation. Visitors can observe the turtles up close, feed them seaweed, and even swim alongside them under supervision, an experience designed to foster appreciation for marine life while supporting conservation funding.
Each year on Feb. 20, the sanctuary hosts its "Turtle Releasing Day," when rehabilitated turtles are transported by boat and released into open waters. The event draws local communities, conservation partners and international visitors, with media coverage amplifying its message worldwide.
Larger turtles are fitted with tracking devices, allowing researchers to monitor their movements after release, a small but significant contribution to global marine research.
Over the past five years, the project has released hundreds of turtles, though numbers fluctuate annually depending on rescues and resources.
"In 2021, we released 80 turtles back into their natural habitat; in 2022, we released 120; in 2023, we released 60; in 2024, we released 55, and in 2025, we released 45," Juma told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"We cannot release all the turtles at once," Juma noted. "The project must continue. It is also a source of livelihood for young people in the village."
Of the world's seven sea turtle species, four are found in Zanzibar waters. Among them, the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle nest along the archipelago's shores.
Green turtles, herbivores that feed on seagrass, are threatened by hunting for their meat and eggs. Hawksbill turtles, on the other hand, have long been targeted for their striking shells, historically used to make decorative items.
Government regulations now strictly prohibit the possession or trade of turtle products, marking a significant step forward in conservation efforts.
Beyond hunting, plastic waste poses a growing danger. Floating plastic bags often resemble jellyfish, a common prey for turtles, leading to fatal ingestion.
"We make sure there is no plastic in the water," Juma said. "Turtles mistake plastic for food and choke. Clean water is essential for their survival."
The project regularly organizes community seminars to address this issue, engaging elders, fishermen, teachers and students in environmental education.
The conservation effort has drawn volunteers from worldwide, including marine biologists and veterinary specialists who assist in treatment and research.
In recent years, many from China have participated in both volunteer work and release events, reflecting growing international interest in marine conservation.
Support also comes from government agencies and nearby marine parks, which collaborate during major events and provide logistical assistance.
As more conservation centers emerge across Zanzibar, the Mnarani project continues to evolve, balancing education, tourism and environmental stewardship.
"There are many aquariums," Juma said. "But here, we are focused on conservation and rehabilitation."
The project also partners with universities, offering internships for students in marine biology and environmental studies, ensuring that knowledge is passed to the next generation.
What began as a response to a crisis has grown into a model of community-driven conservation, where fishermen, educators, scientists and visitors work together to give endangered turtles a second chance.
