Bali's Serangan Turtle Conservation Center Handles Stranded Turtles

RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar –  The Serangan Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) in Denpasar, Bali, handles stranded turtles found in various coastal areas of Bali. This work is carried out in collaboration with several conservation areas and beach managers along Bali's coast.

TCEC secretary I Wayan Edy said that this collaboration covers several locations, including Kuta Beach, West Bali, and North Bali. Whenever a stranded turtle or other marine mammal is found, local conservation officials immediately contact the TCEC for assistance.

"Yes, that's right. We have connections with several coastal conservation areas. One example is Kuta Beach, as well as several other beaches in Bali, including those in West and North Bali. If they find stranded turtles or other marine mammals, they usually contact us because, as the TCEC conservation unit, we have the facilities to collaborate," said Edy on Wednesday, February 3, 2026.

He explained that successfully evacuated turtles immediately receive a further examination by the Serangan TCEC team. Then, they will be cared for in the treatment pools at the turtle conservation area.

"We usually provide immediate examinations by our TCEC team. We provide treatment in the pools at the turtle conservation area," he said.

Edy also outlined several challenges to turtle conservation efforts on Bali's coast. These challenges range from plastic waste to public understanding of turtle conservation. Preserving turtles on Bali's coast requires more than just facilities and conservation experts. However, public awareness and commitment to, as well as active participation in, efforts to rescue and preserve coastal turtles are also crucial.

He acknowledged that plastic waste generated by the community and washed into the sea is often consumed by turtles. Many turtles become stranded due to entanglement in plastic, requiring coordinated rescue efforts.

"The biggest challenge, of course, is human activity. Many of the turtles we rescue are affected by our activities," he said.

Edy added that turtles are also threatened by social and cultural activities in Bali, despite existing regulations. The TCEC team continues to educate the public and encourage collaboration to rescue and preserve turtles.

"The challenge for us is to provide education. Secondly, we must improve the Balinese people's understanding of socio-cultural issues because Balinese ceremonies involve sacred turtle sacrifices. One of these ceremonies involves sacrificing turtles. It's important to understand which ceremonies involve turtles and which don't," said Edy.

Through this intercoastal cooperation, TCEC Serangan expressed its hope that the handling of stranded turtles in Bali will be quick and coordinated. Through ongoing education and outreach, the public will increasingly understand environmental conservation efforts, including maintaining the sustainability of marine ecosystems. ***