Ecological Research Society

Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) and Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle) are two sea turtle species, which visit Turkish coasts for nesting. They are among the five sea turtle species living in the Mediterranean.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has classified Caretta caretta among the species facing a threat while Chelonia mydas was classified among the endangered species. Although the sea turtles are protected by some international conventions such as Barcelona, Bern and CITES, actions taken in order to protect them may not always be adequate. Implementation of conservation measures in all nesting, feeding, migration and wintering habitats based on biological data has become imperative in order to protect the sea turtles from extinction. Different conservation and management alternatives are being applied in different areas. Plans need to be devised by giving due consideration to the factors posing a threat to the sea turtles in a specific area.

The factors, which threaten the sea turtle generation living along Mediterranean coasts, can be considered in two groups, namely "natural predation" and "human-sourced factors." Those factors vary from one region to other and those created by human beings constitute a wide spectrum ranging from recreational activities, construction of buildings, sources of artificial light, illegal excavation of sand, coastal traffic, industrial and farming activities and fishing.

There are a total of 17 nesting beaches for sea turtles located between Ekincik and Samandag. Dalyan, Belek, Kumluca, Kizilot and Anamur beaches have been reported as the most important nesting areas for Caretta caretta while Chelonia mydas primarily nests on Akyatan and Kazanli beaches.

The Sea Turtles Expedition Project will be carried out by the Ecological Research Society (EKAD). Scientific consultancy work has been undertaken by Hacettepe University and Wales University. EKAD will work in coordination with Ceyhan and Yumurtalik district governors, and local NGO's during the implementation period of the Project. Sea Turtle Expedition Project is considered as a model environmental project due to its international and national partnerships.

EKAD was founded by a voluntary group mostly made up of zoologists and botanists in January 2003. Being aware of the importance of living in harmony with environment in order to ensure a sustainable quality in human life, the group has set up the Society in order to formalize its studies at academic level. Conservation of nature based on scientific research is the fundamental principle of the Society.

The Society's primary focus is on understanding and conservation of biological wealth. EKAD's studies are classified into different subheadings including genetic reserve in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; bio-diversity and conservation of habitats; nature conservation, management and implementation plans; inventory studies covering seas, continental waters and terrestrial areas; monitoring and conservation of endangered and endemic species; researches on lessepsian and egzotic species and researches on ecological products and organic products.

EKAD is also conducting scientific work, which is sponsored by the Special Environmental Conservation Agency and Belek Tourism Investors Association, in order to conserve sea turtles in Belek and Dalyan.

Species Targeted

The project is intended to focus on Sugözü and Akkum beaches for bio-ecological work. In addition, Dörtyol beach (in the east) and Yumurtalik beach (in the west) will be periodically investigated during the implementation period. Training programs will be implemented in Ceyhan and Yumurtalik districts.

The works to be carried out by EKAD and sponsored by BTC Co. for a period of three years will be an adventurous expedition. Another unique and striking aspect of the project is that it has been designed as a project integrated with the local government and people. Migration routes and diving depths of sea turtles will be monitored through satellites under the project and this method will be employed for the first time in Turkey. The ultimate goal of the proect is to draw up a management plan based on scientific data obtained for conservation of sea turtle nesting areas in the region.

Turkey is under constant surveillance aimed to determine whether or not it is efficiently protecting this species. The Project will spotlight the importance of this species to Ceyhan-Yumurtalik region. Improvement of the factors threatening this species in this area and ensuring local contribution in that context will also be achieved by means of education and communication activities.

Another important facet of the project is to encourage development of proposals aimed at creating alternative sources of livelihood taking advantage of existence of sea turtles in the region. Efforts designed to introduce eco-tourism opportunities to the region within a scientific framework are spearheading a lasting conservation drive. Apart from scientific observations and conservation efforts, public seminars and education courses targeting primary education schools, high schools and universities, meetings with fishermen, workshops, informative beach conversations and sea turtle festivals will also be organized under the project.