The sea turtle has been around since the days of the dinosaurs (some 100 million years) and is one of the oldest known living creatures on our planet. Previously, every year on Bali alone, some 30,000 young sea turtles were killed. Their meat was seen as a delicacy (as were their eggs) and their shells were used for decorative purposes and jewellery. These turtles are also in danger from increased pollution in their environment and building developments along the coastal breeding grounds.    

In 1994, a local fisherman accidentally caught a sea turtle in one of his nets. Chris bought the creature to save it. A second turtle soon followed and the sea turtle project was born. Donations enabled Chris to build water tanks and an enclosed egg hatching area.  Villagers started selling the eggs they found to the program, instead of eating them. Over 6,500 turtles have since been released into the sea from the hatchery and the local population and tourists alike are now aware of the importance of protecting these creatures and their habitat. Residents in the area now bring turtles to the Hatchery, these days usually only caught in nets by accident. For more information or how to support, log onto www.pemuteranfoundation.com