Sea turtle hatchlings released into the sea in North Cyprus — marine turtle conservation project turns 18

Hatchlings from the 2026 season were released into the sea in North Cyprus as part of a marine turtle monitoring and conservation project run by Eastern Mediterranean University (DAÜ) since 2008. The young turtles were released into the water at the university’s marine station in Famagusta with the participation of the project’s volunteers and partners.

The project covers the beaches of Famagusta, Yeni Boğaziçi and İskele. Nest monitoring and the release of hatchlings are carried out under permits from the Environmental Protection Department, which is part of the TRNC Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment.

The work is led by Associate Professor Burak Ali Çiçek, head of the Department of Biological Sciences at DAÜ’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences and director of the university’s Centre for Underwater Research and Imaging (SAGEM). The nests are checked regularly so that the hatchlings can reach the water despite people visiting the beaches and natural predators.

“We have been continuously monitoring and protecting marine turtles since 2008 under permits from the Environmental Protection Department. These nearly 18 years are the result of long-term joint work by government departments, municipalities, our university, civil society organisations and private companies,” Çiçek said.

Up to 80 DAÜ students and volunteers from other universities take part in the project: they work at every stage, from field trips to nest monitoring. This season’s hatchling release was supported by the clubs of the Lions Federation of North Cyprus (District 135).

DAÜ Rector Professor Hasan Kılıç attended the ceremony. He noted that the project is important both for developing environmental awareness and for preserving wildlife: “Every effort to ensure that these unique living creatures entrusted to us by nature continue to live is extremely valuable.”