Apr
01
Author: Abdullah, S. S., L. Boura, M. A. Nada
Journal: In: Kaska, Y., Sonmez, B., Turkecan, O., Sezgin, C. (Compilers). Book of Abstracts of 35th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. MACART press, Turkey.
Date: 2015
Page number(s): 92
Mar
03
In the Mediterranean, sea turtles suffered a major decline caused by intensive exploitation in the past (until the 1970s) either for consumption or for trade. In some parts of the Mediterranean, turtles are still, illegally, taken ashore destined for the cooking pot or a tourist attraction.
Feb
20
Monitoring the conservation situation in Zakynthos for yet another year, we found that the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (ZNMP) remains at the stage of struggling to address the same challenges and problems as in previous years. Inadequate control and supervision of the Park’s marine area results in private and business boats becoming a constant nuisance to sea turtles, and also in the illegal entry and anchoring of fishing boats in Maritime Zones A and B, especially during the hours of darkness. Available space for nesting has been significantly reduced in the past few years, while noise and lights from nightclubs and hotels disturb nesting. ZNMP visitors are inadequately informed about the safety measures due to inefficient and sparse signage at key locations. On several occasions nesting disturbance was observed at night. Obviously, in the currently dreadful economic situation, the uncertainty surrounding the funding of the managing body of the NMPZ undermines the conservation of the most important loggerhead nesting site in the Mediterranean. The oversaturated and illegal landfill Greece’s failure to take the right steps towards sealing the oversaturated and poorly functioning landfill site within the ZNMP, resulted, unsurprisingly, in condemnation from the European Court of Justice. […]
Feb
18
MEDASSET volunteers are a cheerful group of highly motivated individuals of all ages who share our vision and who wish to make a difference for sea turtles in the Mediterranean. In July 2014 we participated with our volunteers in the UpFestival; a famous summer open air music event in Koufonisi island, that brings together bands and young people from all over Greece. This tiny island, part of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea, is an EU NATURA 2000 protected site of great ecological importance and an up-and-coming tourism destination. Hellenic Seaways was our transportation sponsor. In partnership with the organising team, our volunteers discovered an original way to help reduce the impact of the festival (mainly from waste) to the environment: As the arena was located just a few meters from the sea and as strong winds were blowing, they designed and wore cool “sea turtle shells” that acted as litter bins raising awareness at the same time. The volunteers mingled with the crowd throughout the concert enjoying the music, while the shells on their backs were being filled-up with empty bottles! Some participants to the festival even asked if they could wear the ‘shells’ themselves! Litter was kept […]
Feb
11
The Libyan Seaturtle Program LibSTP (an initiative coordinated through the Environment General Authority (EGA) of Libya since 2005), recently established an activity aiming to educate school children and teachers about the endangered species of the Mediterranean Sea.
Feb
02
Around 34 years ago, a handful of young scientists whose love of marine turtles was equalled only by their specialist knowledge of them, organised the first American workshop in Waverly, Georgia, dedicated to “the protection and study of sea turtles”: About 70 people took part. The initiative proved such a success that it became established, and since then has been organised on an annual basis, hosted by a different country and on a different continent each time – but always one that enjoys a relationship with marine turtles. Gradually the number of delegates annually has reached 1,000 and attendance figures seem still to be rising! In 2002 the workshop morphed into an Association and was renamed the International Sea Turtle Symposium (ISTS). Its aim is to present and share the most recent research findings, studies, protection initiatives, environmental education programmes, and new techniques carried out or devised by scientific researchers, NGOs, students, educators and others. Each Symposium now features two auctions that are organised by teams of many volunteers. All the items offered for sale are donated by the delegates themselves and almost all include a turtle – often portrayed in a humorous way. The proceeds, which can amount to […]
Jan
01
Journal: Presented to the Standing Committee to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) at the Council of Europe.
Author: MEDASSET
Date: 2015
Pages: 11 pp
Jan
01
Journal: Presented to the Standing Committee to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) at the Council of Europe.
Author: MEDASSET
Date: 2015
Pages: 11 pp
Dec
23
Monitoring the conservation status of important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean is one of MEDASSET’s key activities since 1988. We present our findings and recommendations to national and international authorities, such as the Bern Convention, to bring international attention to local conservation problems and encourage governments to take action.
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