Kenya's coastal waters host five of the world's seven marine turtle species, including green hawksbills, olive ridleys, loggerheads, and leatherbacks. These species are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing threats from poaching for their eggs, meat, skin, oil, and shells.
Conservationists highlight that only one in 1,000 turtle eggs survives to adulthood, underscoring the fragility of their populations. Marine turtles play a vital ecological role by filtering ocean water and recycling nutrients that sustain marine plants. Their presence is seen as an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems.
Despite their ecological importance, turtles face growing risks from coastal pollution, overfishing, and rising sea temperatures. Conservation efforts emphasize protecting nesting sites and reducing human-driven threats to ensure their survival.
