TCF-funded in 2003/2004 and 2006

Congolese marine turtle project (2003/2004): The turtle project in Congo Brazzaville aims to study marine turtles as well as reducing the significant harvest of nesting females along the coast. With support from MCS, they have begun to make progress towards achieving these goals. As well as conducting awareness raising activities, they have also identified important nesting areas and employed eco-guards to protect nests and female turtles at some important nesting sites. Following the 2003-4 season, RENATURA produced some of the first detailed information about the marine turtles of Congo Brazzaville.

Release of turtles captured in fishing nets (2006 & 2007): Following on from the success of the nesting beach protection programme, RENATURA turned their eyes to the sea. Many marine turtles are caught and drowned in fishing nets along the coast. This bycatch (accidental catch) not only threatens the turtles, but also causes damage to the fishermen's nets. Traditionally a fisherman whose nets have been damaged will butcher and sell captured turtles to pay for any net repairs. In October 2005 RENATURA launched a project to encourage fishermen to change their habits and release the turtles alive. They employed a local agent who travelled through the local communities letting fishermen know that if they caught a turtle RENATURA would cover the cost of the wire necessary to repair the net. The wire was supplied on condition the local agent could witness and certify the safe release of the turtles. MCS funded the programme in 2006 and 2007, and by the end of 2007 the programme had released over 4,000 turtles from fishermen's nets. For more information about this project, click here.

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