Nairobi — Thirty-five newly-hatched sea turtles were yesterday released into the Indian Ocean at Nyali Beach Hotel.

They were from 54 eggs laid on March 8, and which were expected to hatch on May 8, but did so five days earlier.

Releasing the turtles, environmental consultant David Olendo said the reptiles were an endangered species.

Threats to them occur at all stages in their life-cycle, he added.

"Their nesting beaches are threatened by beach-front developments, poorly managed tourism activities and sand mining," he said.

Their eggs are commercially harvested, while grown-ups are hunted for meat, oil and shells, he pointed out.

"The juveniles of many species of sea turtles depend on coastal habitats as feeding grounds, and the destruction of these habitats can seriously affect their survival, he said.