The Liberia sea turtle project is a Save My Future (SAMFU) Foundation project. The project aims to promote the long-term survival of sea turtles and the recovery of depleted stock, protect nesting beaches and nesting turtles from poachers. SAMFU do this by working with local coastal communities, the Liberian government and other stakeholders to conserve the species.

The project conducted a baseline survey from April 2000 – April 2001. The survey aimed to gather scientific and baseline data for developing a national strategy for sea turtle conservation in Liberia.

Major activities under this project include:

1. Gather baseline data on the coastal communities’ beaches and the species of active sea turtles in these areas.
2. Identifying nesting population, nesting beaches recruitment, and juvenile development areas and collating gathered data.
3. Identify threats and potentials for conservation.
4. Conduct workshops and discuss findings with local community leaders and solicit their support and participation in developing an integrated national coastal zone management emphasizing sustainable management and protection of sea turtles.

In Rivercess, Samfu worked with six communities: Borgor Point, Jarsla, Jumbo, Pillar of Fire Mission and Klagba. The project recruited 20 veteran sea turtle hunters to serve as monitors for collecting data on nesting activities daily. These monitors were trained in data collection methods, species identification and track identification. After the training, the monitors were assigned to the beach and collected data on daily nesting activities.

Community Activity

To provide alternatives to conserve sea turtle in these areas for lost income through hunting nesting turtles and trade in turtle products, Samfu implemented several activities in consultation with the communities.

1. SAMFU provided fishing nets with accessories to Borgor Point and Jarsla communities to set up fishing corporative.
2. Provided one outboard motor and a canoe for Borgor Point community
3. Constructed one hand pump in the Jarsla community
4. Constructed an educational center in Jarsla community
5. Provided macro loans to both communities
6. Provided stationery to schools in the project location

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Under this project, Samfu worked with local fishermen in three of Liberia’s nine coastal counties to gather information on the dolphin species found or spotted in the Liberian coastal waters. This was done through a LEK survey to harness local ecological knowledge to fill data gaps and support the conservation of the Critically Endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii), commonly referred to as AHD. 

The survey focus was mainly on the Critically Endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin, which, according to the research report, has a population of less than about 3,000 worldwide. This species is classified as critically endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and many other international bodies, including the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and is the focus of a CMS concerted Action, NOAA.

Liberia is considered one of the range countries, but no studies have been done to determine the present status of the species. Samfu is the first Liberian non-governmental organization to undertake such survey in Liberia regarding this species.

The activity of the project:

1. We visited 11 coastal communities: Bendu Town, Latia, Senbehun, Kru Town and Fanti Town in Grand Cape Mount county, Banjour community, West Point Township, 24 Street, King Gray and ELWA beach in Montsurado, while the Team visited Marshall City in Margibi county.
2. SAMFU interviewed one hundred and sixty-five (165) fishermen from the various communities.