Sea turtles cover journey of 3,500 km from Türkiye to Gaza in 50 days

Two green sea turtles released from Türkiye’s Mersin 50 days ago with satellite tracking devices have traveled 3,500 kilometers (2174.7 miles) and are now approaching the Gaza Strip.

This impressive journey is part of the “Tracking Sea Turtles with Satellites” project, which closely monitors their progress across the Mediterranean.

Professor Serap Ergene, Director of the Mersin University Sea Turtle Application and Research Center, emphasized the significance of the turtles’ journey.

“Mersin University has traveled approximately 3,500 kilometers and is nearing the Gaza Strip. Kizkalesi is closely following. We expect them to head toward Egypt,” she said.

Initially, the turtles, named Mersin University and Kizkalesi, navigated around Mersin’s coastal areas including Kazanli, Karaduvar and Adanalioglu.

Mersin University then swiftly moved toward Hatay, Syria and Lebanon, while Kizkalesi followed at a slower pace.

Professor Ergene noted that the turtles have been zigzagging in certain areas and feeding in seagrass beds.

As they near the Gaza Strip, it is anticipated that they will continue their journey toward Egypt’s nutrient-rich lagoons, known to be a crucial feeding ground for sea turtles.

Ergene also highlighted the high possibility of the turtles returning to Türkiye in the future.