A workshop on marine foraging areas of sea turtles in the Mediterranean was held on 22-23 October 2021 in the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Mediterranean Fisheries Research, Production and Training Institute, Demre, Antalya.

A workshop on marine foraging areas of sea turtles in the Mediterranean was held on 22-23 October 2021 in the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Mediterranean Fisheries Research, Production and Training Institute, Demre, Antalya.

Mediterranean coasts include important nesting beaches for two sea turtle species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas). These slow-growing and long-lived creatures have complex life histories. They use a variety of ecosystems throughout life history, from terrestrial habitats where nesting and hatchling occur to foraging habitats in coastal waters (neritic zone) as well as in the open ocean (ocean zone). In this complex life history, marine habitats are important both as developmental stages and adults. Even the terrestrial habitats are well documented, there is a scarce study on the marine habitats of sea turtles. Marine habitats of these species need to be defined and monitored very well. In this context, this workshop aims to define the data gaps on possible marine habitats of sea turtles, the threats and the conservation status in the Eastern Mediterranean. The workshop also aims to draw a road map with a joint working group in monitoring and reporting sea turtle habitats throughout the Mediterranean.

Contents

In terms of scientific perspective following headings which are mainly used for investigating the marine habitats of sea turtles will be discussed within the scope of the workshop

1. Stranded turtles

2. Bycatch data

3. Stable isotope analysis

4. Tracking with satellite device

5. Capture/Mark/Recapture

6. Local biodiversity studies

7. Others

In this context, the primary aim of this workshop is to analyze the possible marine habitats of sea turtles by considering scientific studies on the current status of marine habitats in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In addition to these topics, the strategies for protecting the marine habitats of sea turtles below and also research and conservation requirements will be discussed.

1. Marine protected areas

2. Legal regulations (Turkey)

3. Regional regulations (International agreements)

The third aim of the workshop is; To evaluate the scientific data gaps in the existing marine habitats of sea turtles in the Eastern Mediterranean and the gaps in their spatial protection status, to report all the workshop outputs by finding answers to the following questions and to distribute them to the focus of attention. In this context, the questions that await answers and whose answers are expected to be reported are listed as follows.

Workshop questions:

1. Scientific gaps
   1. What are the main deficiencies in the marine habitats of sea turtles?
   2. Will the current projects on marine habitats of sea turtles be able to fill these gaps? Why is that?
   3. What kinds of scientific studies are recommended in terms of being economical and feasible in filling the gaps in data on marine habitats of sea turtles?
   4. Considering the subject of experts, which different scientific disciplines can cooperation be established to fill this gap?
2. Loopholes
   1. Are the existing national measures on sea turtle protected areas sufficient? Are there legal loopholes in this regard?
   2. Are the existing regional measures on sea turtle protected areas sufficient? Do we need international cooperation in this regard?
3. Planning and roadmap
   1.  Is there a requirement to monitor these habitats in terms of marine habitats? What methods are recommended for this?
   2. What kind of a road map should the Workshop Committee draw for future studies on marine habitats and their conservation status? Can we diagram the scope and time scale of this roadmap?