바다거북을 위한 행동에 나서기: 세계 거북의 날 기념하기

World Turtle Day, celebrated each year on May 23, serves as a dedicated occasion to honor sea turtles and raise awareness regarding the necessary actions to protect their habitats. This day not only highlights the beauty of these creatures but also encourages everyone to contribute positively to their preservation.

Understanding Sea Turtles

Sea turtles have existed for more than 100 million years, expertly navigating the oceans since the time of dinosaurs. The evolution of sea turtles is a remarkable journey; their ancestors, once giant land turtles, transitioned to life in the ocean over millions of years, developing flippers for swimming and streamlined bodies.

Despite the extinction of their dinosaur companions, sea turtles have adapted and continue to thrive in warm and temperate oceans globally. They spend nearly all their lives underwater, resurfacing primarily for nesting purposes.

The Lifecycles of Sea Turtles

For most of their lives, turtles migrate long distances, returning to coastal waters to breed at particular times throughout the year. During nesting, female turtles come ashore to lay clutches of up to 150 eggs, which are incubated in the sand for approximately 50 to 65 days. The temperature of the sand during this period plays a crucial role in determining the gender of the hatchlings. Cooler temperatures produce males, while warmer conditions yield females.

Sea Turtles in Turkey

In the waters surrounding Turkey, two notable sea turtle species are present: Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), both of which are on the endangered species list. Iztuzu Beach, located near Dalyan, is recognized as a vital nesting site for Loggerhead turtles. Observing female turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs is one of the remarkable sights along this coastline.

Nesting Process on Iztuzu Beach

During their nesting period from May to September, Loggerheads dig nests up to 40 centimeters deep in the sand, laying between 70 and 120 eggs each time. Disturbances can lead to abandoned nests, underlining the importance of protection efforts in this area. The eggs are incubated in the sandy environment, and the newborns emerge under the cover of darkness, instinctively moving toward the sea.

Challenges Posed by Tourism

Unfortunately, the unique life cycle of sea turtles faces challenges, notably from the tourism industry. The nesting season overlaps with peak tourist times from May to August, resulting in increased human activity on beaches. Conservation measures have been implemented in some areas, but concerns remain about declining populations from tens of thousands to only a few thousand since the mid-20th century.

How to Contribute to Sea Turtle Conservation

• Be Aware: Familiarize yourself with sea turtle nesting sites and avoid disturbing them.
• Respect Nature: Follow posted codes of conduct on nesting beaches. Avoid flashlight usage, which can deter nesting behavior.
• Minimize Light Pollution: Turn off or shield lights visible from beaches at night to help hatchlings find their way to the ocean.
• Reduce Plastic Use: Limit single-use plastics and clean up any litter you see at the beach to protect marine habitats.

Making a Positive Impact

Whether visiting or residing in areas near conservation sites, everyone can play a role in ensuring the survival of sea turtles. Your conscious choices can preserve not just the turtles but the entire ecosystem they inhabit.

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Taking Stock

Ultimately, protecting sea turtles requires collective awareness and action. While reviews and feedback offer insights, they can’t replace the value of personal experience. Through GetTransfer.com, travelers can hire cars with drivers from verified providers at reasonable prices, making informed decisions that benefit both themselves and the environment. The transparency and convenience of the platform align perfectly with eco-friendly practices. For the next adventure, consider your travel impact and secure your transfer with GetTransfer. Book your Ride with GetTransfer.com.