Şahika Ercümen highlights marine threats during dive with sea turtles

World record-holding free diver and UNDP Turkey Water Life Advocate Şahika Ercümen conducted an underwater awareness campaign in the Çayağzı region of Demre, Antalya. Diving alongside sea turtles, Ercümen highlighted the various human-driven threats facing marine ecosystems.

Ercümen noted that human activities on coastlines, such as the placement of sun loungers and the use of artificial lights in protected areas at night, disrupt the natural nesting and orientation of sea turtles. Once in the water, these animals face further dangers from high-speed boat traffic, which often leaves propeller wounds on the creatures, and plastic pollution. She specifically warned that sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to fatal intestinal blockages.

Additionally, Ercümen addressed misconceptions regarding sea turtle behavior, stating that marine animals do not have an instinct to attack humans.