Between 80 and 100 sea turtles are found dead each year along Cyprus’s coastline, a Fisheries and Marine Research Department official told philenews following the death of a large green turtle at Akrotiri, Limassol, last Friday.
A citizen found the dead turtle, which local authorities collected for examination. The British Bases told philenews the incident was not unusual.
Most turtle deaths are recorded in summer, when the animals sleep on the sea surface to conserve energy for the breeding season, making them vulnerable to vessel strikes, according to data obtained by philenews from the Fisheries Department.
Other causes include pathological issues and accidental entrapment in nets or other fishing gear.
When a turtle is found dead promptly, it is sent for research to determine the cause of death, the department official explained. Turtles found in a decomposed state are sent for burial or cremation. Turtle numbers appear to be recovering in recent years due to population growth, the official said.
Cyprus operates a sea turtle care centre at the Marine Aquaculture Research Centre in Meneou, where three turtles are currently recovering: two green turtles and one Caretta Caretta.
The first is being treated with medication for lung inflammation and infection. The second, at the centre for approximately three years, also faces a serious lung problem. The Caretta Caretta suffered an injury to its front flipper.
After receiving necessary care, the turtles are released back into their natural environment. The centre’s success rate has reached 80% in recent years.