SAVING ZANZIBAR’S TURTLE POPULATION By Daphine Mabhiza
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anzibar, an island getaway off the East African coast of Tanzania is well recognized for its pristine beaches, unique heritage sites that journey one into the trade posts of yesteryear, fine cuisine of varied influences and wellness opportunities to reconnect one with self. This tranquil destination offers is widely viewed as the perfect place for one to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, allowing you to immerse yourself in absolute relaxation. A big part of the holiday experience in Zanzibar is scuba diving and marine tourism where tourists
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enjoy the wonder of life beneath the sea, with turtle species being a big part of the underwater ecosystem. However, over the years, turtle numbers have dwindled greatly. Turtles were once a big attraction in the waters of the Indian Ocean for the scuba divers to marvel at, but today they are in danger of reducing to near extinction, with the threat of turtle hunting for meat, shell, and eggs shells which locals then use to create trinkets sold to tourists. Turtle poaching has over the years grown rapidly, and even still, turtles also tend to get caught in the local fishermen’s nets, causing injuries to their delicate bodies under their shells. travelessencemag.com
