Sea Sense

Sea Sense Sea Sense is a community based, Tanzanian NGO that is dedicated to the conservation and protection o Protect sea turtles, their eggs and nesting beaches.

Sea Sense is a Tanzanian Non Government Organisation (NGO) that works closely with coastal communities to conserve and protect endangered marine species including sea turtles, dugongs, whales, dolphins and whale sharks. These species face a very uncertain future, mostly as a result of human activities in the coastal zone. Their continued survival is implicitly linked with the protection of the wid

er coastal and marine ecosystem and the wellbeing of coastal peoples. Sea Sense started as the Tanzania Turtle & Dugong Programme in 2001. The project was started due to disturbing levels of sea turtle slaughter and nest poaching in Mafia Island, Tanzania. A community based sea turtle nest monitoring and protection programme was established together with an intensive awareness campaign targeting village leaders, local fishers and school pupils. Within two years, over 230 nests had been protected and over 10,000 sea turtle hatchlings had safely reached the sea. Levels of nest poaching reduced dramatically from 80% to less than 2%. What we do:
Train & employ community members in marine resource management and protection. Monitor strandings of sea turtles and marine mammals. Provide education and awareness in coastal communities. Conduct biological and social surveys to determine population size, distribution and threats to sea turtles, dugongs and other endangered marine species. Promote sea turtle ecotourism as part of a sustainable livelihoods programme. Monitor and report illegal and destructive activities. Following the success of the project in Mafia, Sea Sense expanded to the mainland in 2004. Endangered marine species conservation programmes were established in a further four Districts: Temeke, Mkuranga, Rufiji and Kilwa. Sea Sense expanded again in 2008 into Tanga Region.

In one of our data feedback sessions with the BMU communities of Kilwa, we asked..“Will this data be used to inform deci...
25/08/2026

In one of our data feedback sessions with the BMU communities of Kilwa, we asked..

“Will this data be used to inform decisions or just sit on our shelves?”

One response that stood out was..

“Not just data into decisions, but decisions into action.”

It was a simple but an important reminder that collecting and sharing data is only part of the process. What matters is how that information is used to make decisions and ultimately, to support action in our fisheries.

Great session today in Kilwa! We hosted a feedback meeting to review the landing monitoring data.This dataset plays a cr...
18/08/2026

Great session today in Kilwa! We hosted a feedback meeting to review the landing monitoring data.

This dataset plays a critical role in supporting local Beach Management Units (BMUs). By delivering actionable insights into local fishery health and effort levels, this information strengthens evidence-based decision-making and fosters sustainable coastal resource management.

Last week Sea Sense in collaboration with TFS and MIMP hosted a training for community members surrounding the Mlola For...
17/08/2026

Last week Sea Sense in collaboration with TFS and MIMP hosted a training for community members surrounding the Mlola Forest focusing on monitoring restored areas and assessing the seedling survival rates.

Equipped with field ready skills from setting up sample plots to calculating survival percentages these local monitors are now leading the way in tracking ecosystem recovery

A reef reopening is always something worth celebrating. Last week, we were invited to the reopening of the reef at Lihim...
12/08/2026

A reef reopening is always something worth celebrating.

Last week, we were invited to the reopening of the reef at Lihimalyao Kusini BMU in South Kilwa, following a temporary closure to give the octopus population time to grow.

What makes this especially meaningful is that the closure was led and supported by the local community. By giving the reef time to recover, fishers can benefit from a healthier fishing area and better opportunities for their livelihoods.

It’s a great example of what can happen when communities come together to look after the ocean while also looking after their own future.

Did you know mangroves cover less than 1% of the world’s coastal forests, yet they are among the most valuable ecosystem...
26/07/2026

Did you know mangroves cover less than 1% of the world’s coastal forests, yet they are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth?

​These incredible coastal guardians:

♧ Protect shorelines from erosion and extreme storm surges

♧ Lock away up to 4x more carbon than land-based tropical forests

♧ Act as vital nurseries for marine life and support local coastal livelihoods

​Protecting our mangroves isn't just about saving trees—it’s about protecting our coasts, our climate, and our future. 🌿

​Happy World Mangrove Day!

​

Reconciliation Workshop in Utende, bringing together community members from Kungwi, Kifinge, and Kibada alongside local ...
21/07/2026

Reconciliation Workshop in Utende, bringing together community members from Kungwi, Kifinge, and Kibada alongside local partners, government agencies, and NGOs.

​The goal was to figure out practical, sustainable ways to boost household incomes while taking care of the island’s ecosystems.

Key takeaways from the session:

​Tree Farming & Agroforestry: There’s a growing shift in how the community views tree farming—it’s emerging as a real, practical income generator that also supports forest restoration.

​Tackling Local Supply Gaps: Right now, local demand for seaweed products and fresh vegetables outweighs what’s being produced. To bridge that gap, community members pointed to a clear need for better market linkages, technical training, and modern tools.

​Diversifying Incomes: Discussions also covered energy-efficient cookstoves and expanding local savings group initiatives to build financial resilience.

​Real progress happens when local voices, private sector partners, and conservation teams sit at the same table.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, including representatives from , .island.marine.park

This week, we hosted our partner Blue Ventures in Kilwa and visited the communities of Kiswere BMU to observe the progre...
15/07/2026

This week, we hosted our partner Blue Ventures in Kilwa and visited the communities of Kiswere BMU to observe the progress of the project implementation.

During the visit, they had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with community members about the project's achievements, challenges, and future opportunities for continued collaboration towards our shared commitment. They also visited the crab fattening site managed by the Kiswere BMU, where they observed the ongoing implementation of this livelihood activity and learned about its positive impact on the community.

Together, we remain committed to supporting community-led conservation and sustainable livelihood initiatives that create lasting impact.

14/07/2026

The return of nesting turtles to Kipumbwi Beach after 15 years.

After 15 years of absence, the return of a nesting turtle is a powerful symbol of nature's resilience and the impact of dedicated conservation efforts.

Although this return came with heartbreak, it also brought hope. A single nest is enough to remind us that, with continued protection and community commitment, wildlife can recover.

This is not just a return—it's the beginning of a new chapter for Kipumbwi Beach.


10/07/2026

One of the biggest challenges we've faced in sea turtle conservation this season has been red ants.

Despite our best efforts to protect sea turtle nests in Kigamboni, these tiny predators have destroyed more than seven nests this season. They tunnel beneath the sand, making it extremely difficult to detect their presence before they reach and feed on the eggs.

By the time signs of an infestation become visible, significant damage has often already been done. Their ability to move unseen beneath the sand makes them one of the most challenging natural threats.

24/06/2026

This week in Kibiti, our conservation officers, alongside local fishers, rescued a sea turtle that had entangled in a fishing net.

Sadly, net entanglement remains one of the leading causes of sea turtle mortality along Tanzania's coastline, threatening these ancient marine species that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.

We are proud of our dedicated conservation officers who work tirelessly to create positive change in their communities through awareness raising, daily patrols, data collection, and rapid response efforts that help protect marine wildlife.

This rescue serves a reminder that conservation is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can reduce threats to marine wildlife and ensure a safer future for sea turtles.

Address

PO BOX 105044
Dar Es Salaam

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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