Protect the turtles

The beach of Anamur is among the most significant nesting beaches in the meditteranean region for hawksbill turtles. The protection of the nesting beaches is especially important because ocean turtles always go back for oviposition to the same beach where they hatched themselves. The nesting beach of Anamur is endangered: streets are being built up to the beach, protection zones are not being respected and bright street lights shine into the beach. Due to litter pollution on the beach the amount of nest robbers like foxes is increasing. They plunder the clutches and eat the newly hatched turtle babies on their way to the ocean. Big hotel compounds on the beach are being planned, street cafes are being built on the nesting beaches, often without a permit. Now there is still the option to implement protection regulations and to stop illegal activities, but time is short. The action group protection of species pleads for the protection of the nesting beaches of the hawksbill turtles. The building of streets to the beaches has to be stopped and protection zones need to be respected. Artificial light sources need to be shaded or turned off. The assignment of gamekeepers and volunteers, that patrol the beaches, plot new nests and secure them with special wire cages, are supposed to stop the further destruction of beaches and nests. In order to stop the littering of the beaches and to sensitize the population of Anamur for the danger of the hawksbill turtles, public relation and environmental education especially in schools ought to be offered. Construction projects are only to be allowed if in compliance with the protection licences. Help us rescue this unique and important nest region of the hawksbill turtle. Thank you very much for your trust and your donation. Read more