Oman has the second largest nesting population of Loggerhead sea turtles in the world. Oman  recently launched a campaign by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) to raise awareness on how individuals can make a difference by protecting turtles. Human impact is the main cause for the decline in the population of the Loggerhead turtles.

"Human impact, such as light pollution, coastal construction, vehicle movement and fishery activities are the main reason for the extinction of the Loggerheads on the Oman coast," Maia Sarrouf Willson, the research and conservation manager of ESO, said.

As per the study completed last year by a global network of sea turtle experts of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the North West Indian Ocean Loggerhead sub-population, which nests in Oman and Yemen, has been classified as critically endangered, the highest threat category on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The sub-population has declined by 80 per cent during the past three generations, and today it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild, in the immediate future.

ESO also studies and document beach use impact on the the turtles nesting habits. They have collaborated with the community, schools and authorities to conduct beach clean-ups and have installed signage with tips for beach users to protect the habitat of the turtles on Masirah.

"Our community outreach extends to the fishermen of Masirah, with whom we have engaged with over the years to educate and guide them on the importance of turtles in their livelihoods," Al Sarhani said. Speaking about the campaign Al Sarhani said, "Our campaign is being planned over a span of three months we have various speakers that will be hosting talks with our members and the public, as well as use social media as a key channel to spread the message."