Each year in the Indian Ocean thousands of sea turtles are caught in fishing nets both at sea and in brackish creeks.

If the nets are left out for long periods and the air-breathing turtle cannot reach the surface it may drown. If the net is pulled up in time and the turtle is still alive the fishermen would invariably slaughter the turtle, despite its protected status, for its valuable meat, oil and shell.

Kenyan beaches coral reefs and deep territorial waters are very important areas for sea turtle conservation in the region.

Law enforcement measures are inadequate and conservation education campaigns require long periods of time to change attitudes, therefore in 1998 the local Kenya Wildife Service warden and Watamu Turtle Watch felt something needed to be done quickly to help save Watamu's turtles from extinction.

WTW's Sea Turtle Net Release Programme encourages fishermen not to kill turtles caught in their nets but to notify WTW. We then visit the landing site examine the turtle and take important scientific measurements, attach a metal identity tag, and then release the turtle (see photos left).

We pay the fishermen a compensatory payment for their trouble, and for any net damage caused by the sea turtle. If the turtle is in poor health then we may have to feed it and treat it in our specially designed turtle rehabilitation pool before it can be released.

In 2003 we have already saved more than 500 endangered sea turtles through this scheme, and have learnt much about sea turtle ecology in the region. It's continued success will be dependent on funds raised through the WTW Turtle Adoption Scheme.

For just $25 (US) or £15 (UK) you can save a Watamu sea turtle, ensuring its release to freedom by becoming an 'adopter'.

When you apply for your adoption you can chose a name for your turtle. In return for your kind donation we will provide you with a certificate of adoption with all your turtles details on it. Also included in our adoption package is the choice of a sea turtle keyring, bookmark, or pendent.

These items are unique and have been locally hand-crafted using traditional leatherwork skills and Kenyan beads. We also include an A3 size educational poster, which provides pictures of, and details about, all the species of sea turtles found on the Kenyan coast; so that you can compare these with the details on your adoption certificate. If your turtle is recaptured in the future we shall inform you of the date and location.

Remember, some turtles can live for 80 years. So, with your help, they might even out-survive you!

Adoption packs include poster, certificate and Kenyan gift!