Athens, 16 September 2016: A new online map of sea turtle rescue centres in the Mediterranean has been created by MEDASSET. The new tool was launched at the 41st Congress of the CIESM (Mediterranean Science Commission) in Kiel, Germany (12-16 September 2016).
The “Database & Online Map of Sea Turtle Rescue & First Aid Centres in the Mediterranean” is a new project by the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles (MEDASSET) which was prompted by a paper by Ullmann and Stachowitsch (2015) that called for ‘better information on the number and types of rescue facilities on a Mediterranean scale’.
The sea turtle rescue centres are presented to the public via a new interactive Google Map that is managed by MEDASSET. The primary aim is to provide open access to accurate and current information on all facilities that rescue and care for sea turtles in the Mediterranean. At the same time, the new tool helps increase awareness about the existence of the network of facilities.
“Up-to-date information has been provided by each facility, making this a most reliable source” remarked Liza Boura, Project Manager. The information includes the facility location, type, contact details and volunteer opportunities. The map will be periodically updated, maintained and improved after launch.
Facilities that do not currently appear on the map but wish to be included are invited to contact MEDASSET. Relevant organisations can freely use this new tool by embedding the Google Map on their websites.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Liza Boura, MEDASSET, Tel: + 30 210 36 13 572. Email: [email protected]
EDITOR’S NOTES:
About MEDASSET: Founded in 1988, MEDASSET is an international environmental NGO registered as a charity and limited liability company in the UK and a Permanent Observer-Member to the Bern Convention, Council of Europe. MEDASSET is working closely with MEDASSET Greece – a not-for-profit organisation established in 1993 in Greece, which is a partner to the UN’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). Both organisations are active in the study and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats throughout the Mediterranean. Common goals are achieved through scientific research, environmental education, lobbying relevant decision makers, and raising public awareness.
References:
Ullmann J, Stachowitsch M (2015) A critical review of the Mediterranean sea turtle rescue network: a web looking for a weaver. Nature Conservation 10: 45–69.
Ullmann J, Stachowitsch M, Ben Nakhla L, Boura L. (in press) Going public: online map of sea turtle rescue points in the Mediterranean. Book of Abstracts. 41st CIESM Congress, Kiel, Germany (12 – 16 September 2016).
Disclaimer: MEDASSET has not assessed and is not responsible for the status or quality of operation of the facilities presented in the map.
