Sea Turtle Population Monitoring

At Mawil Beach in West Sumbawa, sea turtle population monitoring has become a cornerstone of conservation efforts to protect these ancient marine creatures. Every nesting season, trained volunteers, local fishermen, and community members come together to observe and record sea turtle activity along the shoreline. The process begins at night, when female turtles return

to the beach to lay their eggs. Monitors carefully document the species, size, and behavior of each turtle, while also marking and protecting nests from natural predators and human disturbance. These records are vital, as they provide insight into population trends, nesting success rates, and the overall health of turtle species visiting Mawil.

Monitoring doesn’t stop with the eggs—it continues throughout incubation and hatching. Community teams regularly check nests to track survival rates, ensuring that hatchlings have the best chance of reaching the sea. When it’s time for the tiny turtles to emerge, the sanctuary organizes safe releases, allowing visitors and locals alike to witness this magical moment. Every detail, from the number of hatchlings to the timing of emergence, is recorded to build long-term data sets.

This monitoring work is not only about science—it is also about education and community empowerment. By involving local people, especially youth, Mawil strengthens awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainable coastal living. Visitors who join monitoring activities gain a deeper appreciation of how fragile and extraordinary the life cycle of sea turtles truly is. Over time, the collected data guides better protection strategies and contributes to global sea turtle research.

Through consistent monitoring, Mawil Beach is not only preserving a vital habitat but also ensuring that future generations can continue to witness sea turtles nesting under the stars and hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean.