Scuba Junkie SEAS: Who Are We?

About us 28 Oct 2025

Scuba Junkie SEAS began with a love for the ocean and a mission to protect it. From creating a turtle hatchery and rehabilitation centre to launching reef restoration and plastic reduction projects, our work blends conservation with community. Together with local partners and ocean lovers worldwide, we’re building a healthier future for the Coral Triangle.

How It All Began

Scuba Junkie SEAS (SEAS stands for Sea Education Awareness Sabah) officially launched in 2009, born from the desire to safeguard the rich marine life around Semporna. Our very first campaign aimed to establish a shark sanctuary in the region — a bold idea at the time, and the spark that ignited our long-term commitment to conservation.

Since then, SEAS has expanded step by step, always responding to the challenges our oceans face. In 2011, we opened our turtle hatchery on Mabul Island, giving endangered sea turtles a safe place to nest and hatch. In 2015, our work grew again with the creation of the turtle rehabilitation centre, where sick or injured turtles can be treated and, whenever possible, released back into the wild. And in 2025, we began tackling one of the greatest threats of our time — plastic pollution — with a community-driven waste management and upcycling project.

What We’ve Achieved

Over the years, SEAS has seen incredible milestones:

  • 26,000+ baby turtles released into the sea through our hatchery program.
  • 19 rescued turtles successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
  • A growing coral nursery and reef restoration program, helping degraded reefs recover.
  • A strong foundation in community education, outreach, and local capacity-building, working closely with the people of Mabul Island and beyond.

These achievements are not just numbers — they represent real progress in giving marine life a fighting chance while empowering local communities to play a leading role in conservation.

Our Core Belief

At the heart of everything we do lies a simple truth: real change only happens when we work together. Whether it’s rescuing a turtle, planting a coral, or reducing plastic use, progress comes from many hands joining for a common cause.

That’s why we encourage everyone who visits us — divers, volunteers, or even those just following our journey online — to get involved. Every action counts, and every person who cares about the ocean becomes part of the SEAS family.

Looking Ahead

SEAS continues to evolve with the times. The challenges facing our oceans — from climate change to plastic waste — are urgent, but they also inspire us to find creative and inclusive solutions. We’re excited to keep expanding our work, testing new approaches, and deepening our collaboration with communities and conservation partners.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how big we are — it’s about how deeply we care, and how much more we can achieve together. Scuba Junkie SEAS is more than a conservation organisation; it’s a shared effort to protect our blue planet for generations to come.

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    Jay’s Journey

    28 Oct 2025

    This month we’re shining the spotlight on Jay, one of our current rehab turtles, and the next steps on his long road to recovery.

    How Jay Arrived
    On 19 June 2025, we received reports of a turtle floating near a neighbouring resort, unable to dive. From the photos and videos, he didn’t look too big – but when we got him on board with the help of some strong arms and our trusty turtle stretcher, we discovered Jay was a real heavyweight!

    At the time, we only had one main rehab tank (home to Lesley) and a smaller mobile tank used for freshwater soaks. Jay didn’t fit comfortably in the smaller one, so we swapped the turtles around: Jay took over the big tank, while Lesley, ever the star, settled happily into the smaller tank – provided she still got her head and butt scratches, of course.

    His Injury
    Jay had suffered a severe boat strike injury to his tail and back flippers. From the position of the wound, it seems likely he was diving when he was struck. The injury was old, leaving his tail hanging down under its own weight.

    To give him the best chance of healing, the team carried out deep wound cleaning and debriding (removing damaged tissue until only healthy flesh remains). With help from Uli and Boss Tino, we even designed a special full-body splint to support his tail.

    When our vet, Dr. Nabila from Sabah Wildlife Department, examined him, it became clear the damage was too severe for full stitching – there simply wasn’t enough tissue in the right place. Instead, the area was cleaned and partially stitched, and we all endured the stressful wait for Jay to wake up from sedation.

    The Critical Weeks
    The following weeks were intense. Jay needed daily wound care, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and careful feeding. Unlike Lesley, who loves her sea grapes, Jay was picky – only certain types of squid would do. As he lost weight and energy, things looked bleak.

    But just as we feared the worst, Jay suddenly rallied. With fluids and extra care, his appetite returned, his energy lifted, and before long he had a sparkle back in his eye. Today he’s eating well, has regained weight, and transformed from looking gaunt to being a proper chonk again!

    Where He Is Now
    Jay’s tail has healed as much as possible. Importantly, he can now control it and use the bathroom properly. With his weight restored, the next challenge is his buoyancy issue.

    We’ll tackle this using targeted weight therapy – similar to divers. Custom weight pockets are being made, which will attach to his carapace with Velcro. We’ll start small, gradually increasing until he can stay comfortably at the bottom, and then reducing again until he manages buoyancy on his own.

    Only once he can dive, sleep, and rest without assistance will Jay be ready for release.

    The Road Ahead
    Rehab is always a slow journey, but every step is worth it. Seeing Jay’s happy face each day reminds us why we do this – and why your support makes all the difference.

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