Following recent reports from citizens about the intense presence of sea turtles in our shallow waters, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFA) informs the public that the sighting of turtles in the shallow waters of Cyprus is normal for this period and their presence does not cause any concern.
During the summer period the presence of sea turtles is intense in our coastal waters and especially in shallow waters, where they mate and feed mainly on marine plants, the Green Turtle and crustaceans (i.e.
In the waters of Cyprus and our beaches, during the nesting season, we are lucky enough to host two of the seven species of sea turtles in the world. These two species are the Caretta (Carettacaretta) and the Green Turtle (Cheloniamydas)
Both are spectacular and iconic species and their presence in our areas is part of their life cycle for both feeding, mating and nesting.
Sea turtles are migratory species. They use the beaches of Cyprus for nesting and then, at the end of the nesting season, most of them start their journey to other areas of the Mediterranean Sea that are their feeding grounds and where they will stay until they make the journey again for their breeding activity.
The TATH gives below some basic information/advice on the correct behaviour towards these protected species:
- Observe sea turtles from a distance, without touching them, so as not to cause them any disturbance.
- Do not offer food to sea turtles. This affects the natural behaviour of the animals and may also have a negative effect on their natural feeding instinct. Marine animals have the ability to feed themselves.
- In photography, limit the number of photos of individual animals especially when using flash.
Sea turtles live freely in their natural environment and we are just guests in their own home.
The moment of our encounter with such a species as the sea turtle makes us witness nature in its purest form and we must, to the extent possible, each of us, through our actions and deeds, preserve it as such.
As a reminder, if an injured sea turtle is spotted, the public can contact the TATH at the landline numbers shown below within normal public hours. Note that, outside of business hours, the public may contact the departmental telephone numbers listed below:
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CITY |
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Fixed Telephone
Weekdays
(07:30 -15:00)
[/TD] [/TD] [TD]Service Telephone
(16:00 - 20:00 Daily)
(06:00-20:00 Saturday/Sunday)
[/TD] [/TD][TR] [TD]
Nicosia
[/TD] [TD]22 807 853
[/TD] [TD]22 807 853[/TD] [/TD] [TD]
N/A
[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Larnaca
[/TD] [TD]24 304 294 / 24 422 888
[/TD] [TD]99 48 96 45
[/TD] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Famagusta
[/TD] [TD]23 834 172
[/TD] [TD]99 48 96 43
[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [TD]Limassol
[/TD] [TD]25 306 800 / 25 306 804
[/TD] [TD]99 48 96 51
[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Paphos
[/TD] [/TD] [TD]26 821 680
[/TD] [TD]99 48 96 42
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Injured turtles are transported by ATHEX staff or authorised agencies for treatment at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre operating at the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Centre (MMARC) of ATHEX in Meneos.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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