Sea Turtles Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

A Caretta caretta that was struggling for life as it had ingested plastic debris, causing it gastrointestinal problems, has been released into the sea after getting treatment for one-and-a-half years and has traveled 600 kilometers (372 miles) since then.

Following the nesting process of endangered Caretta caretta, which started at the end of May, the first baby Caretta has hatched from its egg in the southwestern province of Muğla's İztuzu beach on July 13.

After receiving its treatment in the western province of Muğla, a green sea turtle, which is under the threat of extinction, was released to the sea three days ago with a satellite tracking device installed on it.

The turtle traveled approximately 30 kilometers in three days and reached Marmaris' Aksaz area.

The endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles are at the risk of experiencing cold shock due to hypothermia with the onset of winters as the air cools down, said Professor Yakup Kaska, the head of the Sea Turtles Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER), adding that there is no problem in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas at present.

Endangered caretta carettas have started spawning on İztuzu beach in the western province of Muğla's Ortaca district.
 
Caretta carettas leave their eggs in 50-60-centimeter-deep holes. The incubation period is nearly 50 days and then baby turtles reach the sea.