Sea turtles hatch on the beach and head to the Mediterranean Sea
(Photo: Nature and Parks Authority)
The National Sea Turtle Rescue Center has announced a record-breaking spawning season for endangered sea turtles in Israel. Approximately 600 hatchlings have been recorded across the country, with over 500 brown sea turtles and about 70 green sea turtles. However, about 20 nests were destroyed.
A video from an incubation farm in northern Israel shows three nests during hatching, with about 30 brown sea turtles beginning their journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
2 View gallery
A sea turtle hatchling heads for the Mediterranean
(Photo: Shai Kabesa, Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
"This is the biggest spawning season ever in Israel," said Dr. Yaniv Levy, director of the center at the Nature and Parks Authority. "The increase is likely due to a long-term conservation program initiated by the parks authority in the 1980s. The hatchlings from 30 years ago have reached sexual maturity and are now reproducing. We're finally seeing the results of years of investment."
Dr. Levy highlighted efforts to stabilize and save Israel's sea turtle population, which include locating and guarding nests and operating a breeding center for green sea turtles. Every year, the Mediterranean shores are surveyed for female sea turtles laying eggs. To protect them, nests are relocated to fenced farms in nature reserves.
"Despite the war, the number of sea turtles is on the rise. The situation in Israel is challenging, as accessing some nests is difficult due to security restrictions," Dr. Levy added
The spawning season along the Mediterranean coast begins in May and lasts until August. A female brown sea turtle lays two to five nests every two years, each containing about 80 eggs. A female green sea turtle typically lays three nests every three years, with about 130 eggs per nest.
Sadly, only one offspring on average will reach sexual maturity and reproduce. Female sea turtles often return to the same area where they hatched, with only a few nests being laid in more distant locations.
"Despite the war, the number of sea turtles is on the rise. The situation in Israel is challenging, as accessing some nests is difficult due to security restrictions," Dr. Levy added.
"However, with the help of volunteers and inspectors, and by using technology, the parks authority ensures the nests are monitored 24/7 until the hatchlings safely reach the sea."