Turkey sea turtle nesting season continues along Mediterranean coasts

Sea turtle nesting and hatching seasons are actively underway across various Turkish coastlines, including Aydın, İzmir, Antalya, and Hatay. Conservation efforts are being led by the Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate in collaboration with local municipalities and organizations such as the Ecosystem Protection and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD).

In Çıralı, Antalya, the number of nests has reached 120, with 2,758 hatchlings successfully reaching the Mediterranean from 4,923 eggs. In the Aydın and İzmir regions, specifically Kuşadası and Didim, 504 hatchlings have been released to date. In Samandağ, Hatay, teams are monitoring the release of green sea turtles along a 14-kilometer coastline, where between 1,500 and 2,000 nests are expected.

Conservationists are working to mitigate threats such as artificial light, environmental waste, and stray animals. In Kuşadası, specialized channels and shielding are used to prevent hatchlings from being disoriented by urban lighting. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining clean seas and avoiding the use of flash photography or direct light when encountering turtles on the beach.