Andaman Turtle Watch
The Sea Turtle Directory
Country: Thailand
Organization / Project Name: Andaman Turtle Watch
Website: www.andamanturtlewatch.com
Email: andamanturtlewatch@gmail.com
Description: Andaman Turtle Watch is a citizen science initiative dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats in the Andaman Sea. The project uses non-invasive photo identification to collect long-term data, helping to address key knowledge gaps in one of the world’s most biodiverse yet understudied marine regions. By monitoring individual turtles, behaviour, habitat use, foraging grounds, migration, and conservation threats, Andaman Turtle Watch provides an accessible platform for population monitoring and research that supports evidence-based conservation and informs marine park management. The project brings together divers, local communities, tourism operators, researchers, and emerging government partners to collaboratively collect, share, and apply sea turtle data. Alongside research, Andaman Turtle Watch places strong emphasis on education, awareness, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. Through training, workshops, storytelling, and responsible tourism advocacy, the project works to make conservation accessible, personal, and actionable - empowering people to become active ocean stewards and supporting long-term marine protection. Project status: Andaman Turtle Watch is currently a passion project operating as an informal citizen science data collection platform. It was launched informally in October 2024 and is presently run in partnership with Big Blue Diving Khao Lak through their Living Blue eco initiative. While still in its early stages, the project has begun networking with local government agencies and national parks, with clear long-term ambitions to grow into an established citizen science research and conservation organisation through future collaborations. Data collection has so far been concentrated in Thailand (Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces) and has recently begun expanding internationally to Myanmar and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Species of focus: Loggerheads (Caretta caretta), Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), Olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Volunteer program: No
Tourist activities (Y/N): No
Primary Areas of Work: In water research, Environmental education/community outreach
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/185Wm3VGvG/
Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/andamanturtlewatch/