Sea turtles have captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. However, these ancient mariners are facing numerous threats that push them toward the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts to protect and preserve these vulnerable species have become a critical global endeavour, and through concerted efforts by organisations, governments, and passionate individuals, significant progress has been made in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by sea turtles.
In celebration of World Sea Turtle Day, we hosted an episode of Chick Chat with Sharnietha Ratnam, who is part of the incredible team at Juara Turtle Project.
Sharnietha is a Bachelor of Science fisheries graduate and is currently studying for her Masters in Marine Science. She is also the General Manager at Juara Turtle Project. She first discovered her passion for turtles during an internship stint at the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre, also known as TUMEC and from there, has evolved into a true turtle warrior.
Juara Turtle Project is a non-governmental organisation in operation since 2006 with a focus on saving sea turtles in Tioman island. The NGO works closely with the local communities, stakeholders, and the fisheries department of Malaysia to increase the population of sea turtles.
Some of the topics we cover:
- The impact of ocean pollution on marine life
- How local communities actively participate in conservation projects and contribute to reducing ocean pollution’s impact.
- How visitors to Malaysia can play a role in minimising their impact on the marine ecosystem and supporting conservation efforts like Juara Turtle Project.
Watch the full Chick Chat episode here:
