CIU examines Cyprus turtles that are in danger of extinction

Cyprus International University (CIU) School of Physical Ecucation (SPES), Department of Sports Management, organizes a seminar in relation to the “Cyprus Turtle”, which is a symbol across the island and is under threat of extinction.

The event that was organized at the CIU Çevik Uraz Center conference salon was moderated by the CIU Department of Sports Management Chair Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şükrü Rona, while Biologist of the Turtle Conservation Society Meryem Özkan attended as a speaker.

In his speech, Assist. Prof. Dr. Rona explained that in Northern Cyprus, there are two different types of turtles that can be found, and went on to say, “Laying their eggs on the beaches of Northern Cyprus are Green turtles, which make up 30% of the total population in the entire Mediterranean basin, and also Caretta Caretta’s, which make up 10% of the total population”.

Rona within his speech also drew attention to the importance of sea turtles in terms of ecological balance, while also expressing that as the Department of Sports Management, they organized such an event in an effort to raise awareness.

Expressing during the seminar that the plastic pollution at the Mediterranean shores is a big threat to the turtles, Meryem Özkan went on to state, “During the last 10 years, there is no area of beach where plastic cannot be found. However, turtles are living creatures that live in both the sea and land”.

Emphasizing that when the turtles lay their eggs, the eggs that are left behind must be protected, Özkan continued, “Because there is a chance of them being attacked by dogs, foxes and sea birds”.

Advising that the conservation efforts applied in Northern Cyprus have displayed positive results, Özkan elaborated, “During the past few years we have observed an increase. Where normally there would be 100-200 nests upon the nesting beaches, we now observe that there are 300-400 nests”.

Informing that due to the pressure of tourism, there are no other countries' beaches that support the spawning, Özkan continued, "Maintaining and increasing the protection zones in Northern Cyprus is of fundamental importance".

Reminding that the point where turtles see the most damage are the fishing nets that are laid out, Özkan noted that in the event that a turtle gets tangled in a net and is unable to swim to the surface, they drown after 3-4 hours of being stuck under the water.