along Tanzania coast. They trained native people to be able to protect the marine creatures starting from 2001, while they were conducting scientific researches.

"We developed a turtle-protection strategy, under which we trained indigenous people to become assistants of the protection project, and work along with them to make and carry out plans to protect turtles' eggs, and establish a pre-warning system to prevent turtles being poached," said Muir.

Educating the local people is quite important, said Muir. The biologist and her team members are devoted to let all local residents, from young to old, assume the habit of protecting the animals, instead of hurting them.

Their hard efforts paid off. From 2001 to 2006, over 1,000 turtle nests were under sound protection.

Sea protection in Fiji

Fiji's Great Sea Reef, the world's third largest barrier reef, is home to a host of marine life, with many species still unknown to scientists.

Since more than 80 percent of the country's territory is in the Pacific Ocean, the traditional local Polynesian culture worships the Dakuwaqa (Shark God) as the most sacred deity in Fiji.

The submerged reef area is a haven for turtles, dolphins and sharks, as well as 43 species of coral. The area is also a key fishing site for locals, and serves as a world-famous diving place.

Since the economy in Fiji mainly depends on both the fishing industry and the development of natural resources related to the ocean, the locals variety of species suffered a great menace. After the establishment of a marine protection area, a seasonal ban on fishing was adopted, a move able to protect a sustainable development for various species.

"The establishment of the MPA is also the most effective way for coastal residents to safeguard their food supplies and retain biodiversity in the ocean," said Etika Rupeni, an official from the WWF South Pacific Office in Fiji.

Dwellers in Vetara District in Feiji have benefited from the way to set up a marine protection area. For example, the local community decided to adopt special protection measures for a propagation area of ark clams, given the dwindling amounts of this kind of species, a major source of food here.

As a result, the total amount of the species increased by 300 percent in this area, and 200 percent in the nearby areas. The total income in the past three years has surged by 35 percent.