Coastal January Newsletter

Conservation.

1.) Beach Cleanups.

We conducted four beach cleans, 2 with Ocean Sole Mamaz Self-Help Group, and 2 with Kwa Chambo Fishermen Self-Help Group. We reduced a total of 542.06 kilograms, the most common items collected being shoes at 86.6kgs and ropes 48.85kgs, covering a total of 3.35 kilometres with 87 volunteers. We also collected 30.35 kg of flip flops.

Kwa Chambo Fishermen posing with a full sack of waste collected during a beach clean.

2. Ocean Sole Turtle Safe Program.

In January, one hawksbill sea turtle false crawl was recorded at Katoa Beach. The turtle emerged from the sea and attempted to nest but returned to the water without laying eggs. No nest was established.

During the same period, one hawksbill sea turtle mortality was recorded at Katoa Beach. The carcass was found without the head, indicating severe injury, likely due to entanglement by a net.

A turtle ranger preparing a place to discard the carcass of the turtle.

Community

1. Ocean sole Mamaz.

   We conducted two beach cleanups with the Ocean Sole Mamaz Self Help Group. The group had three garden sessions where they were able to do some cleaning on the garden and prepared the garden for planting. They also produced 20 strings of beads through upcycling activities. Production is ongoing, as the group continues to work on additional bead strings to fulfil a recently received order.

2. 
   

   

   Ocean Sole Mamaz preparing the garden for planting.

3. Kwa Chambo Fishermen Self-help Group.

   Two beach clean-up activities were conducted in collaboration with Kwa Chambo fishermen, contributing to improved coastal cleanliness and community engagement in marine conservation. In addition, one snorkelling reconnaissance survey was carried out at the Nguruni coral site as part of a citizen science coral mapping initiative. The activity aimed to assess coral presence and site conditions to support future monitoring efforts.

4. 
   

   

   Baya a Fisherman from Kwa Chambo removing a discarded net at Katoa Beach.

   3. Nyota Ya Asubuhi

   In January, support activities were carried out at Nyota Ya Asubuhi Orphanage. Children were provided with a meal to support their nutritional needs. Additionally, 50 young ladies received sanitary towels to support menstrual hygiene.

5. 
   

   

   Ladies from Nyota Ya Asubuhi sharing sanitary towels amongst themselves.

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