Funchal Marine Biology Station to host sea turtle themed event

The Funchal Marine Biology Station will host its final ‘Open Night’ of the summer season on September 25. The event is dedicated to sea turtles, specifically the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), which utilizes the waters around Madeira as a vital habitat during its juvenile years.

The program includes a guided tour of the station at 20:00, followed by a lecture at 21:30 titled ‘Sea turtles in Madeira: what we have learned, what we still do not know and why we need to protect them.’ The presentation will be delivered by Professor Thomas Dëllinger from the University of Madeira.

For over three decades, research in the region has focused on the origins, feeding habits, diving patterns, and orientation of these turtles in the Atlantic, as well as the threats they face. The session will also highlight the recovery work conducted by OKEAM and its role in supporting ongoing research, conservation, and the training of new scientists.