Three Caretta Caretta Turtles Found Dead on Kuşadası and Selçuk Beaches, Turkey

Three adult Caretta caretta sea turtles were discovered dead on the beaches of Kuşadası in Aydın province and Selçuk in İzmir province during their breeding season. Initial assessments indicate one turtle was struck by a boat, another became entangled in a fishing line (misina), and the third was caught in a fishnet and drowned. All three turtles were adults, likely females, which could impact future reproduction.

Ekosistemi Koruma ve Doğa Sevenler Derneği (EKODOSD) president Bahattin Sürücü reported the finds and said, "The loss of adult female Caretta caretta during the breeding period is especially distressing for the future of sea turtles." Tissue and shell samples were sent to Prof. Dr. Oğuz Türkozan at Adnan Menderes University for analysis. The association urged boat operators to reduce speed near nesting sites, urged the public to avoid ghost fishing gear and plastic waste, and called for respect of protected coastal areas.