How you can help protect sea turtles
Be more conscious of what you're putting into the ocean and the environment. That's the advice of a Durban aquarist - who says two of the world's seven species of turtle nest on KZN's shores.
Yesterday, marine conservationists marked World Turtle Day - encouraging action to help sea turtles survive and thrive.
Sea turtles have a crucial function in the marine ecosystems. WWF says they help maintain the health of sea grass beds and coral reefs that benefit species such as shrimp, lobster and tuna.
They are currently classified as a vulnerable species - meaning they are likely to become endangered if the circumstances threatening their survival don't improve.
Five of the world's species are found in the Western Indian Ocean - that's in the regions of the Mozambique belt, west coast of Madagascar.
The province's IsiMangaliso Wetland Park is a nesting ground for two of these - the loggerhead and the endangered leatherback.
Quarantine aquarist for uShaka Marine World, Malini Pather says KZN residents can play their part by being mindful of the use and disposal of plastic items.
"Turtles eat a variety of things and one of the things that they do eat is jellyfish. When they see plastic packets, bottles and anything else floating in the ocean they are unable to distinguish between that and an actual jellyfish. The only way they will know is if they taste it. Unfortunately, straws and packets and any single-use plastic items will inevitably affect their lives and the lives of other organisms in the ocean," Pather said.
ALSO READ: Researchers follow Olive Ridley, Pemba's journey
Meanwhile KZN's beloved Olive Ridley turtle, Pemba, has travelled almost 6000 kilometres since her release. The marine animal was released almost three months ago from Mabibi, off the Elephant Coast, after spending four years under rehabilitation.
Listen to the latest update on the Olive Ridley turtle below.