The Eastern Mediterranean is witnessing an extraordinary phenomenon: a record increase in the number of Caretta caretta sea turtle nests. From the beaches of Greece to those of Cyprus, nesting has reached unprecedented levels, a sign of a possible trend reversal for this long-threatened species.
There Greecein particular, is confirmed as the main nesting site in the Mediterraneanhosting approximately the 60% of Caretta caretta nests.
The Mediterranean maternity ward
THE’Zakynthos islandknown for the Sekania beachdefined as the largest “maternity ward” of the Mediterraneanhas recorded an exceptional number of nests, with a density reaching one nest every 50 square centimeters of sand.
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“It’s an extraordinary result,” Dr. told the Guardian newspaper. Aliki Panagopoulou, research coordinator for Archelonthe Greek Society for the Protection of Sea Turtles. “After years of decline, with annual declines of 6% in some areas such as Crete, we are finally seeing a recovery. It’s proof that long-term conservation efforts can pay off.”
Data collected by Archelon indicates that since 2023 the number of nurseries in Greece has exceeded 10,000a figure significantly higher than the average of 6,000 recorded over the last 24 years. This positive trend is attributed to several factors, including the protection of nesting habitatsthe reduction of light pollution and the raising awareness of tourists.
Not just Greece
The increase in nesting does not only concern Greece. Also other areas of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Italy and Cyprusare experiencing an increase in the number of nests. Even the African coasts, in particular the Seychelles and Cape Verdeshow encouraging signs. Cape Verde, for example, counted 200,000 nests in 2020thanks to policies to combat poaching and the protection of nesting areas.
Technology, such as the installation of cameras and constant monitoring, has played a key role in protecting nests, drastically reducing threats to the chicks, who face enormous natural dangers from the first moments of life, such as attacks by of crabs and seagulls. Normally, in fact, only one in 1,000 turtles survives to adulthood. The conservation measures implemented have significantly increased these chances, resulting in a notable increase in the survival of the hatchlings.
Successful examples also come from other parts of the world. In Floridathe number of sea turtles is constantly growing, thanks to similar protection tactics. In 2023, Palm Beach County has reached over 20,000 nestsa historical record that demonstrates how conservation initiatives can really make a difference.
Conservation: a long-term commitment
Behind the success of the rebirth of sea turtles there is a long journey made of commitment, passion and collaboration between governments, associations and local communities.
The island of Zakynthos has become a symbol of this struggle, thanks to the creation of a state marine park which made it possible to protect the most critical areas for nesting. Thirty years ago, the risk of extinction for Caretta caretta was real, threatened by the devastating impact of tourism, habitat destruction and egg poaching.
Today, thanks to the efforts of activists like Lily Venizelosfounder of Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtlesand the commitment of organizations such as Archelonsea turtles are returning to populate the beaches, offering a spectacle of rebirth that enchants not only scientists, but also tourists and residents.
The case of Zante is not isolated. Beaches like those of Kyparissia bayIn the Peloponneserepresent other important nesting places for Caretta caretta. Throughout Greece, efforts to protect this species have also been extended to Cretewhere there was a reversal of the trend compared to the declines recorded in the 2000s.
“During that period, we observed a 6% annual reduction in the number of nests,” explained Dr. Panagopoulou. “Today, however, thanks to a long-term strategy, we finally see the concrete results of our efforts.”
“The recovery of the Caretta caretta is news of great importance for the entire marine ecosystem,” underlines Lily Venizelos. “Sea turtles play a crucial role in the maintenance of ecological balanceand their presence is an indicator of the health of our seas.”
Despite the positive results, experts urge caution. The survival of sea turtles is still threatened by several factors, such as accidental fishing, plastic ingestion and climate change. “It is essential to continue investing in research and conservation,” concludes Dr. Panagopoulou. “Only in this way will we be able to guarantee a future for these extraordinary creatures that have populated our seas for millions of years”.
