Turkey rescues caretta turtles on Belek beach, fire kills one at Boğazkent

Volunteers and the Ekolojik Araştırmalar Derneği (EKAD) rescued ten caretta caretta hatchlings that were trapped on Belek beach in Antalya’s Serik district and released them into the Mediterranean Sea, urging tourists and locals not to disturb nests. Project coordinator Cansu Ulusoy highlighted routine monitoring that records hatchling development and warned that premature nest opening can harm the turtles.

On the nearby Boğazkent beach, a prohibited fire lit by fishermen or campers ignited a hatchling attempting to reach the sea, causing its death. EKAD director Dr. Ali Fuat Canbolat condemned the incident, noting that fire‑making is banned on nesting beaches and that violators face fines of up to 699,245 TL (or 2.097 million TL for organizations). Volunteers stressed the need for greater public awareness to protect the endangered species.

In Didim, municipal officials reported that protected caretta caretta nests were successfully monitored and hatchlings were safely guided to the water, underscoring ongoing conservation efforts along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.