Every year, Cyprus faces a serious problem in protecting its sea turtles. Dozens of these protected animals die along the island's coast. Official numbers show that between 80 and 100 turtles are lost annually. Just last week, another dead green turtle was found near Akrotiri in Limassol. Sadly, officials say this is a common event.
Marine researchers say the main reason for these deaths is collisions with boats. This danger increases in the summer when turtles breed, because they often float near the surface to rest. This makes them easy targets for passing vessels. While boat strikes are the most frequent cause, turtles also die from diseases or by getting caught in fishing gear. When a body is found soon after death, experts perform an autopsy to learn the exact cause. This information is very important for science and conservation. Turtles that are too decomposed are buried or cremated.
To fight this threat, Cyprus runs a special turtle rescue centre at the Marine Aquaculture Research Centre in Meneou. This facility treats turtles that are injured or sick, for example from propeller cuts or serious infections. Recovery can take a long time; one turtle at the centre has been receiving care for about three years. The work is often successful, with around 80% of the turtles treated in recent years being released back into the sea.
A spokesperson for the British Sovereign Base Areas, where the latest turtle was found, confirmed these are not isolated events but part of a yearly pattern. Despite the worrying number of deaths, conservationists see some reasons for hope. They report that turtle populations in the area are showing signs of increase in recent years, thanks to ongoing protection efforts.
This situation shows the complicated reality of wildlife conservation: human activities cause many deaths, but the species is also showing resilience. The rescue centre's work helps save many turtles, but the steady number of deaths caused by people highlights an urgent need for greater care on the water. Continued research and education for boaters and fishermen are essential to secure a future for these ancient creatures in Cyprus.