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HISTORY
AND ACTIVITIES
WELCOME!
HISTORY
Started in 2011 in collaboration with the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA, www.hepca.org), Turtlewatch Egypt was the first initiative aimed at involving divers and snorkelers in the Egyptian Red Sea in marine conservation research. By sharing their sightings and pictures of marine turtles, visitors to the Red Sea contributed to identify some important feeding and aggregation sites for these endangered animals, to better understand turtle movements and short term migrations, and to assess basic effects of human impact. In 2015 the data collection protocol was modified and tested until 2018 when we finally launched Turtlewatch Egypt 2.0, which consists of a simplified method to allow for more people to provide data in a much easier and straightforward way!
In 2022, TurtleWatch Egypt 2.0 established its own non-profit association: Marine Life Watch, registration number: 152763 – registered on 28/04/2022 in Milan, Italy.
In 2023, TurtleWatch Egypt 2.0 established its own non-profit association in Egypt:Β Ω
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ΨΨ§ΩΨΈΨ© ΨΉΩΩΩΨ§ , Marine Life Conservation and Preservation Foundation (MLCPF), Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, registration number: 438/ year 2023.
MISSION
Turtlewatch Egypt aims at collecting important data on marine turtles in their feeding and nesting grounds with the help and support of divers, snorkelers and visitors.
The collected information will be used to
1) increase our knowledge of endangered marine turtles in the Red Sea and
2) improve the conservation and protection of these fascinating creatures locally and regionally.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Our team is also organizing training sessions addressed to dive centre staff: boat captains, guides, instructors and managers will have the chance to learn further information on Red Sea marine turtles, how to take part in the project, how to involve their guests and how to help protect marine creatures.
We also run activities open to young turtle lovers in collaboration with local NGOs, schools, educators and volunteers. Kids are introduced to the marine turtle world through short lessons and games!
In collaboration with tour operators and dive centres, we also organize βturtle daysβ addressed to tourists interested in participating in the project and in knowing more about Red Sea marine turtles.
For more information about our activities, please contact us – turtlewatchegypt@gmail.com
Turtle Trunk β Hands-on Learning for All Ages
The Turtle Trunk is one of TurtleWatch Egypt 2.0βs most engaging educational tools, developed by our partner Inwater Research Group (USA) 
and generously donated to our project. Adapted specifically to the Red Sea context, the kit introduces participants to the fascinating world of marine turtles through a unique blend of science, conservation, and interactive learning.
The Turtle Trunk includes:
- Life-like turtle models for practicing scientific measurements
- Skull replicas and food items to explore species-specific diets
- Professional field tools such as calipers, measuring tapes, and scale
- Evaluation sheets to simulate real data collection
- A complete presentation (available in both English and Arabic), tailored to the Red Sea turtle species and local conservation challenges
Originally designed for schools, the program has now become a versatile activity we deliver with students, youth groups, professionals in the tourism and diving industry, environmental staff, and tourists. We are proud to have been the first to translate the Turtle Trunk into Arabic, making it accessible for use across the Arabic-speaking world.
Through hands-on practice, participants step into the role of marine biologists: measuring turtles, assessing their health, and decidingβjust like in real rehabilitation centersβwhether a turtle should be βreleasedβ or remain under care. This playful yet scientific approach sparks curiosity, builds awareness, and strengthens connections with the marine environment.
We sincerely thank the In-Water Research Group and Yvette Fernandez for developing this outstanding tool and for making it possible to bring the Turtle Trunk experience to Egypt.”
For more information about our activities, please contact us – turtlewatchegypt@gmail.com
Join our Turtle Watch PADI Distinctive Specialty Course
with our PADI diving instructor Abdallah Rabia Taher
Learn how to monitor marine turtles in the Red Sea and how to be part of our project!
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