The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change’s General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets continues its sea turtle monitoring and conservation efforts in Fethiye at full pace as the season nears its end. While intensive efforts are being made to ensure that the hatchlings of the protected Caretta caretta safely reach the sea, Asst. Prof. Doğukan Mutlu from Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English), emphasized that human activities and light pollution pose serious threats to the hatchlings. Mutlu also underlined that the support of the local community plays a critical role in the success of conservation efforts.
The project, carried out in the Fethiye-Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area, also involved Asst. Prof. Doğukan Mutlu and his students from Üsküdar University.
During the season, which began in May, nests were identified and protected along the 8.5-kilometer coastline, and it was reported that hatchlings continued to reach the sea until the end of September.
“Trash creates pressure on nests”
Asst. Prof. Doğukan Mutlu from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English), Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, emphasized that human activities and light pollution on the beaches pose serious threats to Caretta carettas.
He stated: “These beaches are heavily used by people. The trash left behind by daily visitors creates pressure on the nests. In addition, uncontrolled nighttime access to the beaches, along with the use of lights and camera flashes, negatively affects the turtles.”
“Bright white lights can disorient hatchlings”
Highlighting that artificial lights are a major problem for turtles, Mutlu said: “Once sea turtles hatch, they reach the sea by orienting themselves to the reflection of moonlight over the water. However, the bright white lights used by businesses in tourist areas can disorient hatchlings. In particular, the lighting of establishments in the Çalış Beach area poses a serious problem. We have initiated a pilot project with the local electricity distribution company in this regard. Our goal is to expand this lighting system, which does not affect turtles, throughout the region.”
The local community should provide greater support…
Mutlu stressed that the local community should show greater involvement in the conservation efforts: “The Ministry, researchers, and volunteers are carrying out these efforts. However, the conservation chain can only be completed with stronger support from the local community.”