Residents of Perivolia community of Larnaca, along with concerned non-locals are striving to mitigate the risks that turtles face yearly. Turtles that nest annually on the beach in Perivolia community of Larnaca are increasingly endangered by reckless quad-bike drivers, people who throw beach parties, and other negligent individuals.
Notably, some quad-bike drivers engage in high-speed displays and off-road manoeuvres, which are detrimental to turtle nests and the turtles themselves.
Efforts to protect the turtles, especially during their nesting period, include placing gravel around their nests, as the protective measures installed by the Department of Fisheries are insufficient.
Residents have informed philenews that the authorities are not showing the expected sensitivity, leaving the survival of the turtles largely dependent on the goodwill of those visiting the area.
In addition to off-road quad-bikes, cars also move along the beach, causing further harm to the turtle population and driving them away from the area.
Markings created by residents and other concerned individuals at nesting sites are often removed either out of ignorance, indifference, or other reasons.
Residents report that after phone calls to the Department of Fisheries, officials visited the area and placed baskets for the turtles. However, there are still nests among the umbrellas that are being set up for rental purposes.
Unprotected nests are also present near the site of a former hotel, with no inspection or assistance from the Department of Fisheries, according to local accounts.
Last year, 18 turtle nests were recorded in the area, with successful hatchings from 17 of them. This year, the situation is considered dire due to increased beach activity, the placement of umbrellas, etc..
Additionally, turtles face the threat of fishing nets. While many fishermen help to free trapped turtles, some are not found in time and do not survive.
