‘KUMBİ’ AND ‘DISTRICT 135’ BEGAN ROAMING THE MEDITERRANEAN
Eastern Mediterranean University, Underwater Imaging and Research Center (EMU-SAGEM) and North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT) carried out an outstanding scientific study this summer. Satellite transmitters were attached to two Caretta caretta turtles released into the sea from the shores of Northern Cyprus, allowing researchers to track their migration routes and feeding areas across the Mediterranean. One turtle was released from İskele, while the other was set free at Alagadi Beach.
The acquisition of the satellite transmitters was made possible through the financial support of Türkiye IsBank, the Northern Cyprus Lions Clubs Federation, and its 14 member clubs. The project seeks to produce valuable scientific information for the protection of the Caretta caretta species by monitoring changes in their migration paths and feeding grounds over time.
A statement issued by the Eastern Mediterranean University read; “The information gathered is crucial for safeguarding the turtles both on our local shores and in their distant feeding habitats thousands of kilometers away. These internationally coordinated efforts provide the groundwork for developing strategic actions to protect the species”.
New Breeding Turtles, New Migration Paths
The turtle labelled D135, monitored since its release at Alagadi, has drawn scientific interest as a relatively young mature individual. Thanks to ongoing night-time tracking efforts, this turtle was discovered, allowing researchers to explore an important question: “Do newly mature turtles entering the breeding population choose different feeding areas than earlier generations?” This idea has previously been confirmed in green sea turtles. Scientists intend to broaden their research to examine this pattern in Caretta caretta species as well.
‘Kumbi’ and ‘District 135’ on a Journey in the Mediterranean
Two Caretta caretta turtles, named “Kumbi” by employees of Türkiye IsBank and “District 135” by the Northern Cyprus Lions Clubs—named after the country’s dialling code—are being monitored throughout the Mediterranean via satellite transmitters. Following their nesting period, both turtles made their way toward Türkiye’s coastline. Of particular note, Kumbi left Cyprus and reached the shores of Anamur, where it nested once again.
Current locations of the turtles can be tracked live through the link below:
https://my.wildlifecomputers.com/data/map/?id=68657ee0051df304dd0e0cc9
Encounter with the Same Turtle after 12 Years
An exciting incident was reported along the İskele coastline. It was found that a turtle scheduled to receive a satellite tracker had already been tagged previously. This discovery was made by Robin from the SPOT team, who noticed that the turtle had been caught in a fishing net near İskele by local fisherman Ahmet Kahveci on 6 June 2013, tagged, and then released back into the sea.
Despite 12 years passing, the turtle has only grown 3 centimeters. Researchers are currently examining whether the turtle is a permanent resident of the area or has migrated from other locations. This significant project continues to contribute to the protection of Caretta caretta turtles through the joint efforts of environmental organizations and civil society groups.
