Eastern Mediterranean University Underwater Research and Imaging Center (SAGAM), released baby Caretta Carettas to the sea. Within the framework of “Research and Protection of Sea Turtles on İskele and Famagusta Shores Project”, an organisation aiming to highlight the importance of Caretta Carettas took place at EMU Beach Club with the participation of Vice Rector for Promotion Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca and representatives of Famagusta Kale Lions and Famagusta Mesarya Lions on 20 August 2015. During the event, baby sea turtles were released to their safe haven by children.
During his address, Prof. Dr. Amca extended his appreciation and gratitude to the Chair of SAGAM Assist. Prof. Dr. Çiçek, SAGAM team members as well as Famagusta Kale Lions and Famagusta Mesarya Lions for their support.
Chair of EMU-SAGAM and EMU Arts and Sciences Faculty, Biological Sciences Department academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek stated that the project is taking place as a result of the joint efforts of İskele Municipality and the Nature Culture Association. Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek added that within the framework of the said project, they located several nesting places of sea turtles with the help of volunteering students between May and October. The nesting places of sea turtles were then put under protection and their hatching process was closely monitored. Assist. Prof. Dr. Çiçek added that the main problems they encountered were the destruction of sea turtle protection areas with people who visited the beach with their off-road vehicles, garbage dumped on the beach and dogs destroying the turtle nests.
In this respect, Assist.Prof. Dr. Çiçek kindly asked the public:
- Not to enter the beach with their vehicles
- Not to be present at the coastal area between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m; not to put a fire on or use lights.
- To avoid dumping garbage on the beach and to use dustbins available
- Not to leave the pets free on the beach and not to let them dig the sand
- Not to put up umbrellas or tents in places where the sand is dry.
