MEDASSET MEDASSET MEDASSET
  • Home
  • About us
  • Projects
  • Policy
  • Sea Turtles
  • News
  • Support Us
  • E-SHOP
  • Account
  • English
    • Greek
MEDASSET MEDASSET
  • Home
  • About us
  • Projects
  • Policy
  • Sea Turtles
  • News
  • Support Us
  • E-SHOP
  • Account
  • English
    • Greek
Jul 20

Looking for sea turtles on Albanian beaches

Each summer sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches in the east and south regions of the Mediterranean basin (mainly Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, etc). In the past years, a small number of sea turtle nests have been reported in Italy, Spain and other locations where nesting has not usually occurred in the past. This so-called “sporadic” nesting is of high scientific and conservation interest as it may indicate a possible shift in the nesting range of sea turtles towards the west and northern areas of the Mediterranean. Sea turtles are a highly migratory species and they may be responding to climatic changes by using new habitats to nest, feed and overwinter.

A research team led by Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku is exploring all the sandy beaches of Albania in order to assess which beaches are suitable for sea turtle nesting. In the first few days of the field work, Dr. Sacdanaku and his team, in collaboration with the staff from Regional Agency of Protected Area of Divjaka – Karavasta National Park, visited the Divjaka beach, where a sea turtle nest had been officially documented a few weeks earlier, found from a local fishermen, Sokol Gjermeni and confirmed by Dr. Vilma Piroli. This is the second officially documented nest according to Prof. Dr. Idriz Haxhiu.

“To collect necessary data, we are using traditional methods but also a research drone with specialised software which will not only create maps of the beaches, but also analyse elevation levels, a key factor in determining the suitability of a beach to support viable nesting”, explains Dr. Sacdanaku. Additionally, while surveying the research team will be monitoring for signs of sea turtle nesting activity and implementing an information hotline for the public (tourists, locals, fishermen, etc.), the authorities responsible for the conservation and management of beaches (Protected Area Administration, municipalities, etc.) as well as experts in the field, to report if any suspected nesting activity is seen. Important sea turtle populations are known to use Albania’s coastal waters to feed and overwinter, but until the recent findings, there were only a few anecdotal reports of sea turtle nesting.

“In summers 2018 and 2019, in collaboration with the Regional Agencies for Protected Areas, we will study the entire Albanian coast” says Dr. Sacdanaku. The new research project, the first of its kind in Albania, will help produce important data and will offer useful recommendations on actions and measures to help preserve the country’s beaches for the benefit of both sea turtles and visitors. The project is being implemented by MEDASSET and is part of a larger Mediterranean project that is funded by the MAVA Foundation.

 

 

Notes to Editors:

[1] Three of the seven species of sea turtles are found in the Mediterranean. The loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest here, and the huge leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is an occasional visitor. All species are included in the IUCN Red list of threatened species. Sea turtles are cold-blooded, air breathing, egg laying reptiles that spend their mysterious lives at sea but return each summer to the same area they were born to deposit their eggs in the sand. They take 20-30 years to mature and may live up to 100 years. Despite having travelled the world’s seas since the age of the Dinosaurs, their survival is threatened due to coastal development, pollution, collision with vessels, fisheries and climate change.

[2] MEDASSET has implemented the “Rapid Assessment Survey of important marine turtle and monk seal habitats in the coastal area of Albania” in 2005 and the project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” during 2008-2010. Subsequently, in 2011, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, MEDASSET prepared “Management Recommendations for Drini Bay” and the “Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania” which was adopted by the Minister of Environment in 2012.

[3] The project “Exploration of potential nesting sites & design of conservation measures for sporadic nesting in Albania “(2018-2019) is implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku. The project is funded by the MAVA Foundation within the framework of the regional project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region” which is being implemented by ARCHELON, DEKAMER, MEDASSET, MedPAN, NMPZ, RAC/SPA (leader), WWF Greece, WWF Turkey. 

This press release was corrected after publication.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • E-Mail

About The Author

Efi Starfa Communication Officer MEDASSET - Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

Related Posts

  • Consultation Workshop on the Implementation of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in AlbaniaSeptember 30, 2022
  • Another Sea Turtle Hatchling Success at Divjaka BeachAugust 17, 2022
  • Press Release: Experts meet to discuss sea turtle stranding network in AlbaniaNovember 8, 2021
  • World Sea Turtle Day marks launch of field surveys in North Aegean and Albanian CoastsJune 17, 2021

Contact Info

1(C) Licavitou St. Athens, 10672 Greece. Phone: +30 210 36 40 389 Fax: +30 210 36 13 572 E-Mail: [email protected]

NGO, Established by the 3187/93 Decision of the Athens’ Court of First Instance

Useful Links

  • Resource Center
  • Volunteer
  • International Protection
  • Environmental Education
  • Good Practices
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Latest Projects

Alliance for Survival II
Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region project

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

  • I understand that by submitting this form, I agree to MEDASSET's privacy and cookies policy.
© 2020 MEDASSET· Created By Sociality.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsAccept All
Cookies Settings

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT