Turkey advances Caretta caretta sea turtle protection with satellite tracking and tourism certification

In Antalya’s Belek and Kızılot coastal areas, Turkish authorities and NGOs have expanded sea‑turtle conservation programmes. The first ceremony, supported by the Belek Tourism Investors Association and the Ecological Research Association (EKAD), saw three adult Caretta caretta turtles fitted with satellite‑tracking devices released from the beach. Hotels that funded the tags received “Turtle‑Friendly Tourism” certificates and the turtles were named after the sponsors.

A second event, under the Miner Turtle Project coordinated by TÜPRAG, EKAD and the General Directorate of Nature Conservation, released two additional satellite‑tagged turtles at Kızılot beach. The project records nesting activity across a 16‑km stretch, having logged over 4 497 nests and more than 314 000 eggs in 2024‑2025, rescued over 10 500 hatchlings, and protected 450 nesting sites. Data from the tags are used to map migration routes, feeding and wintering grounds, informing future conservation plans. The initiatives also involve local students, tourism workers and visitors, raising public awareness of marine‑turtle protection.