The first record of green turtle (<i>Chelonia mydas</i>) nesting attempt in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique

Abstract We document the first recorded nesting attempt by a green sea-turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) in Pemba located in the Cabo Delgado Province of northern Mozambique – an urban area with a population of 200,529 inhabitants. This sighting expands the known nesting range of sea-turtles by 40 km south of the Quirimbas Archipelago, highlighting Pemba’s potential as a critical nesting site. In July 2021, local fishermen were observed by a tourism operator killing the turtle and selling its meat. Consequently, the absence of eggs at the presumed nesting site suggests that the turtle was intercepted before it could lay eggs. This incident highlights the threats to sea-turtles and the need for conservation while emphasising the importance of collaboration among communities, government, and researchers to protect nesting activity.