Threats to sea turtles

A 50-year-old Caretta Caretta sea turtle, which was found injured two years ago and is now under endangered protection, has been released to the sea after its treatment.

With loggerhead turtles being vulnerable to atmospheric and oceanographic shifts associated with climate change, they have been under the close watch of Turkish authorities as their seasonal marine habitat may shift in response to global warming.

A new project uniting six Mediterranean countries is working to save endangered populations of sea turtles from the combined threats of tourism, pollution and fishing.

Sea turtles, known as caretta carettas, began laying eggs on the coasts as the egg laying season begins in Turkey. The turtle nests on the coasts are being protected by volunteers Endangered caretta carettas and the green turtles (chelonia mydas), which are under protection, began laying eggs on the coast in the southern province of Hatay’s Samandağ district.