About 100 dead sea turtles are found on Cypriot beaches every year

According to the Department of Fisheries, around 80–100 dead sea turtles are found on the coast of Cyprus every year. The topic came up again after a recent incident in Akrotiri, where a large dead green turtle was discovered.

Experts explain that most deaths are recorded in summer — the animals are often injured by boats when turtles sleep near the surface of the sea and regain strength for reproduction. Other common causes include diseases and accidental entanglement in nets and fishing gear.

Some of the turtles found are sent for examination to determine the cause of death. At the same time, scientists note that the population is gradually recovering. This is supported by the work of the marine turtle rehabilitation centre in Meneou, where injured animals are treated and then released back into the sea; the current release success rate reaches approximately 80%.