Concern over sea turtle population on Rhodes

[Ellinas]

A rising number of dead or injured sea turtles washed ashore on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes, a popular holiday destination in the southeast Aegean, prompted an appeal to the public on Thursday to display greater sensitivity toward the marine environment.

The appeal, by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Station of Rhodes, was made in response to the alarmingly high numbers of dead or injured sea turtles spotted on the coasts of the island over the past month.

Since the beginning of the year 16 of the 17 sea turtles found were dead and many of had sustained deep wounds. According to reports, a total of six sea turtles were found dead in July alone, which itself is an unprecedented figure based on available station records.

The Rhodes marine station is not just limited to keeping records of the incidents, but it also operates as a first aid station in the wider Dodecanese region, providing medical attention to injured sea animals, particularly sea turtles.

ANA-MPA