Turtle Watch 2.0
Turtle Watch Egypt is a long-running marine conservation initiative based along Egypt’s Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam — one of the most important nesting and feeding areas for green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. The project works closely with dive centers, resorts, and local authorities to collect data on turtle sightings, nesting behavior, and threats such as boat strikes and plastic pollution.
Through community engagement and training programs, Turtle Watch Egypt raises awareness among tourists and locals alike, promoting responsible snorkeling and diving practices that protect these gentle creatures. Volunteers and dive professionals are encouraged to report turtle encounters, contributing to a growing citizen-science database that helps identify individual turtles through photo-ID and track their movements across the Red Sea.
Turtle Watch Egypt plays a vital role in connecting tourism with conservation — proving that education and collaboration can make a real difference in protecting endangered marine life.
Marsa Alam, Egypt
Located on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam is a haven for marine biodiversity — a region of pristine coral reefs, crystal-blue lagoons, and rich seagrass meadows that serve as vital feeding grounds for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. Over the past decades, tourism has grown rapidly, and with it the challenge of balancing economic development with marine conservation.
Turtle Watch Egypt – Ongoing Programs
Turtle Watch Egypt was founded to protect sea turtles and their habitats through research, education, and community engagement. Working closely with dive centers, resorts, and local authorities, the project combines citizen science with awareness programs to safeguard these remarkable creatures.
🐢 1. Sea Turtle Monitoring & Identification
- Collection of sighting data from divers and snorkelers.
- Photo-identification of individual turtles across Marsa Alam and beyond.
- Tracking population trends and migration routes within the Red Sea.
🌿 2. Habitat Protection
- Mapping and protection of key feeding and nesting sites.
- Advocacy for marine-protected zones and eco-friendly boating practices.
- Reducing threats such as plastic pollution and boat strikes.
📸 3. Citizen Science & Research Collaboration
- Training dive professionals and volunteers to record turtle sightings.
- Building a shared database for scientific and conservation use.
- Collaboration with universities and Red Sea marine researchers.
🌍 4. Education & Awareness
- Workshops for schools, tourists, and dive staff about turtle ecology.
- Campaigns promoting responsible snorkeling and diving.
- Partnerships with local businesses to support sustainable tourism.
Do you love this cause? This is how you can help!
- Report your turtle sightings: while diving or snorkeling in Marsa Alam — your photos contribute directly to research.
- Support turtle-friendly tourism: choose dive centers that follow Turtle Watch Egypt’s code of conduct.
- Reduce your footprint: avoid single-use plastics and respect nesting beaches.
- Follow and share: Turtle Watch Egypt
- Donate or volunteer to help expand monitoring and education programs along the Red Sea coast.
