Introduction

2025 was a year shaped by collaboration, consistency, and small actions adding up to meaningful change. Across turtle conservation, coral restoration, marine debris work, research, and community engagement, SEAS continued working to protect marine ecosystems around Mabul Island and beyond. This deep dive looks back at the key milestones, challenges, and impact from the year.

Turtle Conservation: Protecting the Next Generation

Turtle conservation remained a core focus throughout 2025. Nest monitoring and protection continued across the nesting season, with multiple nests successfully safeguarded from threats such as predation, flooding, and human disturbance. Hatchling success rates remained consistently high, with the majority of protected nests achieving over 90% hatching success.

In-water turtle monitoring also played an important role. Sightings logged through SIPs contributed to long-term datasets that help track turtle health, behaviour, and site fidelity. Guest and diver participation continued to strengthen this citizen science approach, expanding the understanding of turtles using local reefs as feeding and resting grounds.

Beyond data, rehabilitation and rescue efforts ensured that injured or entangled turtles received timely care, reinforcing the importance of rapid local response in conservation outcomes.

Coral Restoration: Building Resilience on the Reef

Coral restoration efforts progressed steadily in 2025, with coral nurseries maintained and expanded throughout the year. Regular monitoring of coral fragments allowed growth rates, survival, and health to be tracked over time, providing valuable insight into which species and methods perform best under local conditions.

Artificial reef structures and coral trees continued to support reef recovery by providing stable substrates for coral growth and shelter for marine life. These sites increasingly functioned as living classrooms, demonstrating how active restoration can support damaged reef systems when combined with long-term monitoring and protection.

Marine Debris & Plastic: From Clean-Ups to Circular Solutions

Marine debris remained a visible challenge in 2025, particularly following seasonal storms. Regular beach and reef clean-ups removed significant amounts of waste from the island’s shoreline, with staff, volunteers, guests, and community members all contributing.

Importantly, 2025 marked progress beyond clean-ups alone. Sorting, documenting, and repurposing plastic waste became an increasing focus, laying the groundwork for the plastic project developed in collaboration with partners. This shift reflects a broader approach to marine debris — addressing not only removal, but also awareness, reduction, and reuse.

Research, Monitoring & Data

Scientific monitoring underpinned all SEAS projects in 2025. From turtle sightings and nest data to coral growth measurements and clean-up records, consistent data collection helped transform individual actions into measurable impact.

These datasets support adaptive management — allowing conservation efforts to evolve based on evidence — and contribute to wider regional understanding of marine ecosystems in the Coral Triangle.

Community, Education & Capacity Building

Community engagement continued to be a vital component of SEAS work in 2025. Outreach sessions, youth programmes, and capacity-building initiatives helped build local skills, foster ocean stewardship, and strengthen connections between conservation and daily life on the island.

Volunteer and guest involvement remained central, demonstrating how tourism, education, and conservation can work together to create positive outcomes for both people and the environment.

Looking Ahead

The work carried out in 2025 highlights an important truth: lasting conservation is built through consistency, collaboration, and shared responsibility. While challenges remain, the progress made this year shows what is possible when people come together with a shared commitment to the ocean.

Only by working together can change happen.

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.