Pafos Live 23 May 2025
Today we celebrate World Turtle Day, and we could not fail to celebrate it in Cyprus, as two species of sea turtles, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) breed on our island. In fact, the green turtle gives birth in the Mediterranean almost exclusively on our island and in Turkey. Both species are protected by both National and Community Legislation and International Conventions.
Since 1978, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (SFRS) has been implementing the "Sea Turtle Protection and Monitoring Program". In parallel with this program, protected areas are monitored for the implementation of the legislation, as well as information is provided to the public about these species, the threats they face, their protection actions and their habitats.
In addition, the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Centre (EKTHYK) of the Hellenic Marine Aquaculture Research Centre in Meneou also operates as a rescue and first aid centre for sea turtles.
The IMF also presents interactive educational games dedicated to sea turtles in schools around Cyprus. The information is provided either in the context of the projects/research programs in which the FMD participates from time to time (PHTH 2021-2027, LIFE IP Physis, LIFE ADAPTS), or in the context of the national planning for the environmental education of the FMD.
The dangers they face are so many that only 1 in 1000 turtles will manage to survive and reach adulthood. This is mainly due to human activities, which threaten sea turtle populations. Some of the threats and pressures they receive are the disturbance/destruction of nests, marine pollution, light pollution, beach erosion, climate change, etc.
Therefore, we ask the public to avoid any actions, such as those mentioned above, that may have negative effects on the effort being made to protect sea turtles.
These amazing animals have existed on earth since the time of the dinosaurs. Let's give these ancient seafarers a chance at life!
