To study migration routes, feeding habits, and wintering locations, the animals began to be tracked.
About 1.5 years ago, a turtle nicknamed 'Gümüş' (Silver) was fitted with a satellite transmitter in Antalya. Since then, in its 'unusual journey,' it has traveled approximately 24,000 kilometers.
As part of the 'Miner Turtle' project, on July 12, 2024, the loggerhead turtles 'Golden' and 'Silver' were equipped with satellite tracking devices and released into the sea off the coast of Kızılot in the Manavgat district of Antalya.
To study migration routes, feeding habits, and wintering locations, the turtles began to be tracked. 'Golden' followed the expected route and completed its migration off the coast of Libya, while 'Silver' undertook an 'unusual journey.'
According to the data, 'Silver,' which headed straight into the open Mediterranean Sea after laying eggs on Kızılot beach, made a stop at Kerpe Island in the southern Aegean Sea. From there, the sea turtle headed towards the Italian island of Sicily, and then reached the Gulf of Hammamet in Tunisia.
Reached the Open Sea off the Coast of Spain
Contrary to expectations, 'Silver' did not complete its migration path but continued moving westward along the African coast to the Gaza Strip and reached Bardawil Lake in Egypt. The turtle then moved to the coast of Ras al-Bar in Egypt, where it stayed for 2 weeks, and it was decided that it had completed its migration journey, but 'Silver' set off again and reached the coast of Sicily. The loggerhead then turned further west into the Tyrrhenian Sea and continued its journey to Cagliari, located west of the island of Sardinia.
Swimming south of the island of Sardinia to the coast of Skikda in Algeria, 'Silver' completed its journey with short excursions in the Balearic Sea off the coast of Torrevieja in Spain.
'Silver's Route is a Completely New Route for the Mediterranean'
Board member of EKAD, Professor Onur Candan from the Faculty of Natural and Literary Sciences at Ordu University, informed Anadolu Agency that during the winter months, 'Silver's' daily speed decreases.
Usually, at the end of the season, when sea turtles lay eggs, they head to wintering and feeding grounds and remain there for 2-3 years, the scientist explained, adding that 'Gümüş' has been continuing its migration journey for 1.5 years.
Noting that 'Gümüş' surprised them by charting a route that had never been encountered in their previous studies, Candan explained: 'The migration behavior of loggerheads, the routes they use, is related to sea surface temperature. 'Gümüş's' route is completely new for the Mediterranean. We think this is a migration route related to sea surface temperature. This may reflect climate change. In our research, we found that sea turtles use the entire Mediterranean basin for feeding,' he said.
They are also tracking turtles nicknamed 'Flora' and 'Fauna'
The professor reported that in addition to 'Silver' and 'Golden,' they are also tracking turtles nicknamed 'Flora' and 'Fauna,' which were fitted with satellite devices about 6 months ago. 'Golden' completed its migration path off the coast of Libya. 'Flora' also reached the coast of Tripoli and then changed course towards the Gulf of Mersin. 'Fauna,' like 'Silver,' is moving towards the coast of Spain after Greece and continues its daily activities off the coast of Ibiza.
