Leatherback turtles in the north-east Indian Ocean

Some time ago, we reported that we had joined forces with the partner organisations Dakshin Foundation and Ecosystem Impact to form the EIOLA (Eastern Indian Ocean Leatherback Alliance) with the goal of protecting and studying the leatherback turtle nesting population in the north-eastern Indian Ocean.

Now it’s time for an update: In the 2023/24 nesting season, a total of 275 nests were counted on the beaches we monitored in Sumatra – from Selaut Besar in the north to Sipora Island in the south. The new nesting season is now approaching, and we are planning several expansions. Going forward, the beaches will be systematically patrolled, as the majority of nests are still being ‘harvested’. Additionally, standardised monthly data collection will be conducted.

Since the beginning of our work in western Sumatra, we have been constantly receiving new information about leatherback turtle nesting sites in this region. Meanwhile, it is becoming apparent that the island of Simeulue is the most significant nesting ground on the Indonesian side of the north-eastern Indian Ocean.

Would you like to support us in protecting the vital nesting grounds of the north-eastern Indian Ocean? Then how about an individual donation to us? Since 2000, we have been active in Indonesia, striving to ensure that leatherback turtles and other endangered sea turtles have a chance of survival in the future.