Turtle Watch 2.0
“Every dive can make a difference — every photo can help protect a life beneath the surface.”
Along the coral-rich shores of the Red Sea, a dedicated community of divers, snorkelers and marine scientists is working together to protect one of the ocean’s most ancient travellers — the sea turtle.
Turtle Watch 2.0 is a citizen-science initiative that turns every dive into a contribution to research.
By photographing and identifying individual turtles, volunteers help scientists monitor migration routes, population health and behaviour — information that is vital to protect these remarkable creatures.
About Turtle Watch 2.0
Launched as the next chapter of the original Turtle Watch Egypt project, Turtle Watch 2.0 expands its reach beyond Egypt to connect regional efforts across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
The project trains divers and snorkelers to collect valuable photo-ID data, which are shared through an open database accessible to researchers and conservation partners worldwide.
Every sighting matters — each image adds another piece to the global puzzle of sea-turtle conservation.
Our Impact
Since 2011, Turtle Watch 2.0 has connected hundreds of citizen scientists and have recorded almost 11000 turtle sightings and almost 1000 individual turtles have been registered in their Red Sea marine turtle catalogue.
These data provide critical insight into population trends, movement corridors and nesting-site connectivity — helping to shape local and regional marine-management strategies.
Turtle Watch 2.0 is now running with no external funds and they are looking for a new sponsor or donations!
Turtle Watch 2.0 -
Current Programs & Initiatives
🩵 Train local dive centers and volunteers in turtle identification and data collection.
📸 Collect photo IDs (left and right flipper, and carapace) for individual recognition.
🌍 Build an open database that supports marine research and conservation policies.
💬 Raise awareness through education and social-media campaigns.
🤝 Collaborate with scientists and regional NGOs for cross-border research.
Volunteers
Turtle Watch 2.0 welcomes divers, snorkelers, dive centres and photographers to join as citizen scientists.
By sharing your turtle photos and observations, you directly contribute to research and conservation — no scientific background required.
✅ Take clear photos of sea turtles during your dive or snorkel (both sides if possible).
✅ Record the date, location and dive site name.
✅ Upload your sighting via turtlewatchegypt.net
