We are super excited that the turtle nesting season has started in the Red Sea (April - October). Marine turtles are cold-blooded animals that live only in the warmer parts of the world. They spend most of their lives swimming in the sea, but must return to beaches to lay their eggs.
Sea Turtles mate in the waters off the coast of nesting beaches. After which, the female comes ashore at night to lay her eggs. Our world has changed, but these turtles have been doing this for millions of years and it’s just reassuring and gives us hope that their habits will keep going on. BUT WE NEED TO CONTINUE OUR HARD WORK TO PRESERVE NESTING HABITATS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO COME BACK.
If you are lucky enough to be on the beach while turtles are nesting please follow these guidelines:
Avoid off-road driving especially on the beaches of the Red Sea.
As soon as a turtle is spotted at the beach, move away to a distance of at least 20 meters.
If the event is occurring at night, keep all lights off and do not point the light at the turtle's eyes.
Avoid flash photography! The flash of light could disturb or disorient the turtle and can endanger the nesting process.
Always stay behind the turtle where it can’t see you.
Don’t try to touch the turtle or move it from its original position.
If you think that the turtle is in distress, DO NOT intervene. It is best to inform the authorities immediately.
Download your FREE copy in High-Resolution of the Code of Conduct to Turtle Nesting Areas now from our E-Library on the Red Sea Turtle Project section.
Author: Ahmed Fouad