Eastern Mediterranean University Underwater Research and Imaging Center (EMU-SAGM) continues its fight against the coastal degradation which negatively affects many species. Within the scope of the İskele, Yeniboğaziçi and Famagusta Coastline Sea Turtle Tracking and Protection Project which is run by EMU-SAGM for the last 13 years with İşBank as the main sponsor of the project, more than 12,000 sea turtle hatchlings were released to the sea. During the summer semester, EMU-SAGM organized 4 different sessions of turtle hatchling releases were organized for the children to take part in the process with the intention of awareness raising. The events focused on both contributing to raise environmental awareness and to instill the children with love for animals.
According to the information shared by the EMU-SAGM, the number of turtle nests located and put in protection within the last 6 months is 412. Unfortunately, 7% of the nests are destructed by vehicle movements at the beach.
“Sea Turtles are Most Negatively Affected Species”
EMU Arts and Sciences Faculty, vice Head of Biological Sciences Department and EMU-SAGM Director Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek provided information on the activities and projects of EMU-SAGM and said: “Preventing the extinction of the endangered plants and animals living in the coastal area is possible with the effective use of the coastal areas. The coastal areas are not only home for many organisms which adapted the sea and/or terrestrial conditions but also are popular areas for human-use within the island life. As observed in all other Mediterranean countries, coastal degradation can be seen significantly in our country as well. The species that is most negatively affected by the coastal degradation is the sea turtles. Protecting the sea turtle population plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Each living being has a function in nature. For instance, the decrease in the population of sea turtles leads to an uncontrolled increase in the jellyfish population. The biggest problems we encountered during our studies are stray dogs damaging the nests and people entering the beaches with their cars. We invite our people to be sensitive so that they do not enter the beaches with vehicles and do not damage the nests”.
“Protecting all kinds of Species and Natural Beauties of our Country”
Underlining that sea turtles, especially Caretta Caretta and Chelonia Mydas species, which became the symbol of Cyprus, are under protection among the natural heritages of the island, Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek continues his words by saying: “Our aim in the protection work carried out for such species is not only to protect the sea turtles but also to protect other species that share the same habitat and the natural beauties of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Within the scope of this goal, we as the EMU Underwater Research and Imaging Center (EMU-SAGM) have been continuing the İskele, Yeniboğaziçi and Famagusta Coastline Sea Turtle Tracking and Protection Project for the last 13 years with the permit we had been awarded by the Environment Protection Department operating under TRNC Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources”.
“%7 of the Nests Destructed by Vehicles Coming to the Coastline”
Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek stated that with academic staff member Hasan Deniz Akbora as the project coordinator, and the contributions of both native and international volunteers, the project has been successful for the last 13 years. Assist. Prof. Dr. Çiçek’s statement continues as follows: “Even though ongoing pandemic conditions, protection work successfully completed at the end of September, 2021. The work conducted in 2021 are sponsored by İşBank. Informative signboards are also put in the areas of work by the support of İskele, Yeniboğaziçi and Famagusta Municipalities as well as the contributions of EMU Technical staff members”.
Total of 412 turtle nests have been located within the 6-month long working period and, are put into protection. 7% of the nests are destructed by the vehicle movements in the coastal areas. Unfortunately, 8% of the nests could not be saved due to the water floods as a result of their locations being on tidal zones. 4% of them were destructed by animals such as dogs and foxes. 80% of the nests that were under protection were monitored, hatchings were tracked and baby turtles were guided to the sea if there was a need for help. Over 12,000 sea turtles hatchlings were released to the sea.
EMU-SAGM Director Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek stated that the center, which was established in 2007, is to continue its work in areas such as seas, lakes, wetlands and all other aquatic systems on both national and international levels.
