With over 1,500 green and loggerhead turtle nests so far this year in Cyprus, it seems all but certain that a national programme implemented for decades is actually yielding results.
Speaking to CNA, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Officer Melina Markou said that Cyprus` conservation programme is considered one of the best in the Mediterranean.
Replying to questions, Markou says the project for the conservation of the two species of sea turtles reproducing in Cyprus, loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas), was first launched in 1973 and is implemented every year from May to October, mainly in the protected area of Lara – Toxeftra and the Natura 2000 area of Polis – Yialia but also throughout the rest of the island when necessary.
Over 1,500 nests this year so far
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“In 2015 we had approximately 1,260 nests for both green and loggerhead turtles”, she says, adding that “in 2016 so far, with the season not finished yet, there are over 1,500 nests.”
This year there has been an increase in nesting, she points out, adding that the number of green turtles numbers fluctuates in recent years, while loggerhead turtles have followed an upward nesting trend.
Asked to identify the cause of this reality, she explains that this is the result of conservation measures taken. The increase, Markou notes, “is evident only after 20 to 25 years of conservation measures as a result of the turtles` long life span.”
“Between 80 and 100 baby turtles emerge from each nest,” she says replying to another question.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) loggerhead turtles are assessed as vulnerable, and green turtles as endangered.
Cyprus has the greatest increase in turtles in the Mediterranean
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Asked about the conservation programme followed by Cyprus, Markou says “it is recognised as one of the best programmes in the Mediterranean for the protection and management of sea turtles.”
The programme was selected as one of the best in the European Union and was included in the Natura 2015 Award Finalists, she adds.
“We have the greatest increase in turtles in the Mediterranean,” she points out, adding that for this reason when Cypriot delegates take part in conferences abroad Cyprus is used as a good practice example.
Markou also says that two Cypriot experts Andreas Demetropoulos and Myroula Hadjichristophorou are the authors of the book “Manual on Marine Turtle Conservation in the Mediterranean,” which is used by Mediterranean countries where sea turtles reproduce.
