The sea turtles of Zakynthos winter in Tunisia and in the northern Adriatic Sea!
The first report was made on May 3rd from the Tunisia coasts, the second on May 16 from Porto Tolle in the Adriatic Sea and the third in August 2nd from Croatia. All three sea turtles, unfortunately found dead, came from Zakynthos and bore a tag, in the framework of the scientific program ARCHELON runs on the island since 1983.
One of the aims of this long-term research program, performed with the proper authorization of the Ministry of Agriculture, is to locate the foraging areas where the Caretta caretta sea turtles settle at the completion of their post-nesting migrations.
The turtles are marked with special tags after theyʼve completed nesting by ARCHELONʼs trained field volunteers. The tag includes the individual code of the turtle and the Societyʼs address, so that we could be notified in any relative case.
The analysis of the data gathered until today showed that two areas in the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Gabès in Tunisia and the north Adriatic Sea have the highest concentration. The findings corroborate the theory that sea turtles after the nesting period they spend in Zakynthos, they migrate and reside in these feeding grounds for long.
Nowadays itʼs been understood that the protection of the turtlesʼ nesting beaches alone, isnʼt any longer enough; we should protect them in the sea and mostly protect the areas they reside. Unless this is put into effect, fewer and fewer sea turtles will come ashore to breed on the beaches of Zakynthos, no matter the significant efforts made by the National Marine Park. (DΜ/ES)
BABY SEA TURTLES DIE AT THE BAY OF KYPARISSIA (AGIANNAKI)
...how wonderful it was, and how proud and grateful I am for this fantastic experience to help save the turtles...
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