Number of Caretta caretta nests reaches 200 on Türkiye’s Iztuzu Beach

By Durmus Genc

MUGLA, Türkiye (AA) - The number of Caretta caretta turtle nests on Iztuzu Beach in Türkiye’s western Mugla province has reached 200, local authorities said Monday.

The Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER) said in a statement that their teams are continuing their work on the beaches.

They have been guarding 200 Caretta caretta nests that have been identified by keeping watch during the night, the statement said, adding the sea turtles can make more than one nest during a nesting season.

It said the number of nests detected in the same period last year was 386.

"Due to the long migrations of sea turtles and the fact that most of them reproduce every two or three years, the number of fixed nests cannot be reached every year,” it noted.

“In recent years, we have recorded a record number of nests on Dalyan Iztuzu Beach. Our observations this year indicate a calmer season after two very high years,” DEKAMER said.

“Although nest numbers are important data for population status, they are not sufficient to evaluate the population alone.

“With long-term follow-up studies, the general trend is looked at and different parameters are monitored," it added.

The statement also noted that the protection of the country's sea turtles was ensured by monitoring and protection activities supported by the General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets under the Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry every year.

"Climate change causes the start and end dates of the breeding season to change, the temperature of the nest to increase and an increase in female offspring, while a decrease in food stocks leads to poorly fed turtles not being able to reproduce,” it added.

*Writing by Merve Berker