We aim to follow in the footsteps of other turtle rehabilitation centers in the Maldives Providing a safe place for the rehabilitation of sick/injured sea turtles until they are able to be released back into the wild. Rehabilitation centers ensure the basic needs and demands for the sea turtles are met, to decrease recovery time and reduce the chance of other factors effecting them. The center will be operationalized in partnership with Olive Ridley Project
The Maldives produce an estimated 500 tonnes of waste a day, with a large proportion of this being plastic. It is estimated that 50% of sea turtles have plastic in their stomachs, a direct impact from human activity. In the wild, a sick/injured sea turtle may be further harmed by ghost fishing nets or accidental bycatch by fisherman. When in our care at the center they will avoid these hazards to enable safe recovery.
This project has major importance for the sustainability of sea turtle populations in the Maldives are there is currently no turtle rehabilitation center in the southern atolls of the Maldives. The center will Rescue and rehabilitate injured/sick turtles. . Rescued turtles will be sent to the Olive Ridley Project for expert veterinary care if it is required. The center will also educate and inform the local community about sea turtle conservation.
It will educate locals on what to do in order to prevent harm upon turtles if they are found injured/sick. Also decreasing harmful behaviors that are having a negative impact on the local sea turtles. Previously, many injured/sick turtles in the south of the Maldives have been found but left to suffer as the education and awareness of what to do in that situation is not currently present. The project will also create awareness and collect scientific data for informed decision making.
