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.

Mlola Forest is the main forest protecting Mafia Island, with half of it under MIMP management. Sea Sense was the lead o...
13/04/2026

Mlola Forest is the main forest protecting Mafia Island, with half of it under MIMP management. Sea Sense was the lead organization working with the community to restore degraded areas by planting 15,000 seedlings early April from 2nd April to 7th April,. This community-led voluntary reforestation activity involved more than 200 participants, including community members and local leaders.

The initiative marked an important step in climate adaptation while restoring the ecosystem. It was implemented in close collaboration with TFS, MIMP, Mafia District Council, and village leaders.

The community has shown growing interest not only in restoring natural resources but also in establishing tree farms to reduce pressure on Mlola Forest.

Communities taking the lead, partnerships making it stronger From 29 March to 1 April, Sea Sense led an Action Plan Work...
10/04/2026

Communities taking the lead, partnerships making it stronger

From 29 March to 1 April, Sea Sense led an Action Plan Workshop together with FOS as a key partner, bringing together the communities of Kungwi, Kifinge and Kibada alongside MIMP, TFS and Mafia District Council. Together, they are shaping a shared path towards the conservation of the Mlola Forest with Sea Sense continuing to serve as a vital bridge.

The commitment is clear: to protect this unique forest, home to the Hamama pond, bats, indigenous trees and important sea turtle nesting sites. Encouragingly, more than 10 community members have already shown interest in establishing private woodlots to reduce pressure on the forest, with TFS ready to support by providing free seedlings.

This is what community-driven conservation looks like local action, collective responsibility, and a future rooted in sustainability.

Eid Mubarak!
21/03/2026

Eid Mubarak!

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming researchers from the Manja Hope Andreasen, Associate Professor (PhD), and Johan...
11/03/2026

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming researchers from the Manja Hope Andreasen, Associate Professor (PhD), and Johanna M. Pfaffenzeller, PhD Fellow. It was a great opportunity to share the work Sea Sense is doing with coastal communities across Tanzania, highlighting our conservation efforts and the strong partnerships we have built with different stakeholders to protect marine ecosystems.

We are always happy to exchange knowledge, build connections, and showcase the power of community-led conservation. Moments like these strengthen collaboration and inspire new ideas for protecting our ocean together.

Today we celebrate the incredible women protecting our oceans and strengthening coastal communities. Women working with ...
08/03/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible women protecting our oceans and strengthening coastal communities.

Women working with Sea Sense are making a powerful impact by:

• Farming seaweed and producing value-added products such as soaps, lotions, and other seaweed-based goods

• Protecting and monitoring marine turtles across several coastal areas in Tanzania

• Participating in training programs on value addition for honey and prawns

Through their dedication, these women are not only conserving marine ecosystems but also creating sustainable livelihoods for their families and communities.

Happy International Women’s Day to the women leading the way in ocean conservation.

A Moment of Hope on the Beach!What an inspiring day for marine conservation! During a recent sea turtle hatching event, ...
06/03/2026

A Moment of Hope on the Beach!

What an inspiring day for marine conservation! During a recent sea turtle hatching event, 38 baby sea turtles successfully made their way to the ocean, a powerful reminder of why protecting nesting beaches matters.

The event brought together 25 participants, including the team and invited guests, creating a shared moment of connection with nature and conservation. Ocean Love expressed strong appreciation for the work being done by Sea Sense and their commitment to help promote our mission and attract more supporters and donors to protect these incredible marine species.

While celebrating this success, we also witnessed the ongoing challenge of beach pollution, as waves continue to bring trash ashore, reminding us that protecting our oceans requires collective action.

Together, through partnerships, awareness, and community involvement, we can ensure more hatchlings reach the sea and thrive for generations to come.

Sea Sense was honored to host representatives from the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) and FCDO – British...
03/03/2026

Sea Sense was honored to host representatives from the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) and FCDO – British High Commission for a monitoring and learning visit to BOZA BMU in Mkuranga.

The visit offered a valuable space to engage with BMU members and reflect on our collective progress. A highlight of the day was visiting a restored mangrove site, where guests joined the community to outplant seedlings—a powerful display of community-led conservation in action.

There’s nothing more powerful than seeing the local community take the lead. Seeing communities volunteer and stepping u...
26/02/2026

There’s nothing more powerful than seeing the local community take the lead.

Seeing communities volunteer and stepping up to monitor the growth of seedlings and nursery gives them a sense of ownership making the impact lasts a lifetime.

This is Kungwi village in Mafia Island putting in efforts to restore the Mlola Forest

11/02/2026

Sea Sense was honoured to be invited to the “Mwendo” radio programme on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), where we were represented by Abbasi Khalid and Pooja Solanki . The discussion provided a valuable national platform to reaffirm our shared responsibility in safeguarding Tanzania’s marine environment and the extraordinary life it sustains.

During the programme, we reminded and encouraged communities across the country to strengthen ongoing efforts to protect coastal and marine ecosystems, from conserving mangroves and coral reefs to firmly rejecting illegal fishing practices that threaten biodiversity and livelihoods. Healthy oceans are the foundation of resilient coastal communities, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

As we approach the high season for marine turtle nesting, we also intensified awareness around responsible turtle tourism. Tanzanians were encouraged to follow our social media platforms closely for timely updates, educational content, and opportunities to participate in guided turtle hatchling releases. These experiences not only offer a rare chance to witness nature at its most inspiring, but also deepen public understanding of marine conservation and collective stewardship.

Importantly, we extended an open invitation to professionals across all sectors to stand with us in advancing marine conservation. Protecting Tanzania’s ocean heritage is not the responsibility of a single organisation, it is a shared national duty.

Together, through knowledge, action, and partnership, we can secure a thriving marine environment for present and future generations.

Building Resilient Coastal Communities and Forest Ecosystems in Mafia Island!In collaboration with other stakeholders, S...
13/01/2026

Building Resilient Coastal Communities and Forest Ecosystems in Mafia Island!

In collaboration with other stakeholders, Sea Sense has successfully established two environmental groups in Kifinge and Kungwi–Kibada, each with 25–30 members actively participating in forest restoration activities.

Together, these groups have planted 20,000 tree seedlings 10,000 in Kifinge and 10,000 in Kungwi–Kibada including mangroves and native forest species.

Women and youth make up the majority of members in Kungwi, while in Kifinge, women represent 30% of the group. These efforts, funded by CEPF and FOS and coordinated with Mafia District Council, Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), and Mafia Island Marine Park, are creating stronger, more resilient ecosystems and communities.

As we mark Mapinduzi Day, Sea Sense celebrates the courage and unity that shaped our nation’s journey toward freedom and...
12/01/2026

As we mark Mapinduzi Day, Sea Sense celebrates the courage and unity that shaped our nation’s journey toward freedom and progress.

This day reminds us that meaningful change begins with determination the same spirit that drives our work to protect marine ecosystems, empower coastal communities, and promote sustainable livelihoods along Tanzania’s coastline.

Together, we honor the legacy of change and continue working toward a resilient and sustainable ocean future for Tanzania.

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PO BOX 105044
Dar Es Salaam

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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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