Three turtles, one of which is a green sea turtle, have completed their treatment at the center at Iztuzu Beach, where work is being carried out with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets.
DEKAMER officials released the sea turtles named “Republic”, “Infinite” and “Freedom” and 10 hatchlings into the sea with the participation of citizens and tourists at Iztuzu Beach, where satellite tracking devices were placed on them.
DEKAMER Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska stated that so far, 600 injured turtles have been brought to DEKAMER, 360 of which have been treated and released back into their natural habitat.
Currently, there are 13 injured turtles undergoing treatment at the center. Kaska mentioned that the turtles released into the sea today were treated for reasons such as entanglement in fishing lines, ingestion of hooks, and getting caught in nets. He also stated, “Our green sea turtle, named Infinite, will serve as a gardener in the seas.”
To raise awareness in the public, Kaska mentioned that they hold a ceremony every year to release hatchlings and treated turtles into the sea and emphasized their goal of familiarizing people with turtles.
Kaska explained that they named the turtle they attached the satellite tracking device to after the 101st anniversary of the Republic to commemorate the occasion. He also added, “With the importance we attach to sea turtles, who never forget the beach they were born on, anyone who shows loyalty to this country has a special place in our hearts.”
Thanks to the information provided at the center, Kaska noted that people are more cautious when they encounter turtles.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kutluhan, the Rector of Pamukkale University, expressed his happiness about participating in such an event on the 101st anniversary of the Republic. He said, “Today, we released Republic, Infinite, and Freedom turtles into the sea. Our Republic will exist eternally. Let our turtles conquer the seas and bring many beauties to the world.”
