Ghana to set up sanctuaries for giant sea turtles

ACCRA, Ghana (Reuters) -- Environmentalists in Ghana have launched a campaign to set up six sanctuaries for the giant sea turtle along the Atlantic coast of the West African country.

The campaign, led by the Ghana Wildlife Society, aims at raising $20,000 to protect beaches where hundreds of giant sea turtles come ashore during the August to March nesting season to lay eggs.

Wildlife activists estimate that at least two thirds of the turtles are caught and slaughtered by local fishermen. The turtles' eggs are often dug up by other animals.

"If we make their nesting grounds more friendly for the turtle, they could become eco-tourist attractions," an official of the Ghana Wildlife Society told Reuters.

The society has erected billboards along some beach roads to help raise public awareness.

The species that breed in Ghana are the Leatherback, the Green Ridley and the Olive Ridley. They can weigh up to 440 lbs and live for over 100 years. Females often swim thousands of km to return to their native beach and lay their eggs.