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In the waters of Mayotte, many endemic species live in a lagoon threatened by poaching. Various actions are taken by local associations to protect the seascape.
Located in the Indian Ocean, the island of Mayotte is a real gem with a surprising environment. On land or at sea, tourists are blown away. “I think we are in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world”, says Gurvane Stephan, tourist guide in Mayotte. It is also an opportunity to explore the underwater world and discover sea turtles. But the lagoon turtles are unfortunately stalked by poachers.
During the night, poachers on the island try to attack the turtles on the beach. Some local associations hope to prevent these criminal acts. During an excursion, a female turtle was killed, only her bones and shell were found. “It’s the meat that interests them, it’s not the scales”, explains a member of an association for the protection of Mayotte turtles threatened by poaching. On the black market, its value is 50 euros per kilo. To educate tourists, other associations allow them to attend the laying of torture eggs. A moving moment that touches the few tourists present at the event.