A new week began with positive feelings at the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Centre (CMARC) of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR). A sea turtle named “Paraskevi” was finally ready to return to the sea.
The young loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) was found by citizens in Limassol in July.
The small turtle was exhausted, had numerous parasites and showed an old injury on one of its flippers.
It was transferred to CMARC, located in Meneou, Larnaca, part of which operates as a Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
After approximately three months of treatment and care at CMARC, the turtle returned healthy to the sea, where it belongs.
It is noted that DFMR also participates in the “LIFE ADAPTS” project, which includes conservation actions for the two turtle species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), in collaboration with partners from Cyprus, Italy and Greece.
Innovative practices such as eDNA and satellite telemetry are expected to be implemented, aimed at protecting the species from climate change.
The public is reminded that in case of finding an injured sea turtle, they can contact DFMR. If a dead turtle is found, the public is requested to contact the local Community or Municipality for further management.
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