Nesting of the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Mediterranean: a review of status and conservation needs

Abstract The status of the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, nesting population in the Mediterranean is reviewed on the basis of literature records and unpublished data. It is estimated that 350 to 1750 clutches are laid per year, from which an annual nesting population of 115 to 580 females can be estimated. 99% of all recorded nesting occurs in Cyprus and in Turkey, with the remainder being found in the Lebanon, Israel and Egypt. Interannual fluctuations in the number of nests follows a relatively synchronous pattern across the region. 78% of all nests are concentrated at five key sites, three of them in Turkey (Akyatan, Kazanlı, Samandağ) and two in northern Cyprus (North Karpaz, Alagadi). As well as making the nesting population vulnerable, this concentration allows the focussing of conservation efforts. The existing threats to the nesting sites are described in detail; they are multifold, and include destruction of nesting habitat for tourism and agriculture, beach erosion and pollution. By-catch of turtles in fisheries, direct exploitation, nest predation, and global warming pose additional threats. Despite extensive turtle research in the Mediterranean, our knowledge of the size of the Green Turtle population and population dynamics are still insufficient. Increased consistent monitoring in tandem with conservation management is needed.