Local Ocean Conservation is a private, not for profit organisation committed to the protection of Kenya’s marine environment. We love our local ocean and we use practical conservation, community involvement and development, education, research and campaigning to promote the sustainable use of Kenya’s marine resources.
Watamu Turtle Watch is our flagship programme. It was started by local residents in 1997 to protect nesting sea turtles. Now it sits under ocean conservation along with Diani Turtle Watch, Bycatch release, beach profiling and specialist Rehabilitation Centre for sick and injured sea turtles. The combination of ocean conservation, education and outreach programmes enables us to make a real difference in ensuring the future of the marine environment.
Ocean Conservation
Watamu Turtle watch
Beach Monitors patrol the beaches every night to keep the turtles and their nests safe.
Diani Turtle Watch
Diani Turtle Watch (DTW) is a programme of Local Ocean Conservation, started in 2012.
Bycatch Release
Hundreds of turtles are rescued every year by working closely with the fishing community.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Sick and injured turtles are monitored, nursed back to health and then returned to the ocean.
Beach profiling
This programme allows us to investigate seasonal changes in the beach profile, compare beach profiles in different locations along the beach
Education
Education and Awareness
We organise visits to our headquarters for students as well as providing educational outreach to schools and involving students in field excursions.
Marine Scouts
The Marine Scout programme was started in 2010 and a total of 28 Marine Scouts have participated in this programme.
Community Outreach
LOC are currently engaged with 15 local community groups in order to raise awareness about conservation issues as well as support capacity building and training.
Other programmes
How can you help?
We desperately need more funding to help us further our research. Why not hold a fundraiser for us?
Sustainable Livelihoods
One of our focus points is to help local community groups develop alternative sources of income that will alleviate pressure on the marine environment.
How can you help?
Join us for an EcoVisit or hold a fundraiser! Any help in helping the future of these children and conservation is gratefully received.
Marine Information Centre
Within our centre we have office buildings, accommodation for staff and our EcoVisitors, the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and information displays for visitors.
How can you help?
Every shilling, penny and cent counts. Being a not for profit organisation, we rely heavily on the kind donations of people just like you. Please help us to continue our valuable work!
Mangrove Restoration
LOC has planted and monitored over 230,000 mangrove seeds and seedlings, and has it’s own mangrove nursery on site.
How can you help?
Don’t turn a blind eye, stand up for conservation and natural environments.
Policy & Campaigning
How can you help?
Don’t buy shells, corals or other animals and animal products that are found within the ocean or on beaches.
Buying these artefacts creates a market – supply and demand! More and more items are collected from the ocean, many are killed for tourists to purchase.
Technology Development
Our Management Information Systems allow us to effectively plan implement and manage/monitor our operations.