Increased sea turtle strandings in Zakynthos in 2009
ARCHELON, through the national rescue network that was established at the beginning of the 90ʼs, is collecting information concerning dead and injured sea turtles that are stranded at the Greek coasts in collaboration with the Port Police Authorities all over Greece. The injured sea turtles are transferred for treatment at the sea turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada, Athens. However, as we see at the following data, we can observe a significant increase in the numbers of the dead sea turtles, in the whole island and in Laganas Bay as well (Marine Park).
Period
Zakynthos
Laganas Bay
2005
7
?
2006
11
5
2007
20
13
2008
23
20
2009
30
?
That fact, considering as well the insufficient enforcement of the protection measures inside the Park boundaries, and also the total lack of planning relevant protection measures at the fishing fields around Zakynthos, could possible lead to a gradual decrease of the reproductive population. We must note that during 2009 nesting season we recorded the lowest number of nests since 1984 when we started the program of recording all the reproduction activity of the loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos.
In order to face this serious situation, we initially propose a wide meeting with the participation of the responsible department of the Ministry, the Management Agency of the Park, the relevant Environmental Organizations and mainly the department responsible for the fishing industry of the Ministry of the Agricultural Development.
37 sea turtles were healed and released during 2009!
ARCHELONʼS PROJECT “FISHERMEN AND SEA TURTLES” ONE OF THE BEST IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
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