Accra:The General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles, known as SHAMS, has successfully returned 79 sea turtles to their natural habitats in the Red Sea following comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programs. This initiative is a part of SHAMS' ongoing efforts to conserve sea turtle populations and ensure their sustainability through a comprehensive system of rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation, habitat conservation, and monitoring of nesting sites.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the release of these turtles underscores SHAMS' specialized approach to treating injured or sick sea turtles. The rehabilitation process involves assessing each turtle's condition, conducting veterinary examinations, and identifying necessary treatments. Turtles undergo personalized care and rehabilitation programs until they can swim and have regained their natural abilities, as confirmed by specialists before release.
Some turtles require extended care and oversight, with rehabilitation periods surpassing 190 days in some instances. During this time, they receive veterinary care and health monitoring to ensure they are fit to return to their natural environments.
Sea turtles face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, plastic waste ingestion, marine pollution, and habitat degradation. Human activities can also impact nesting sites and feeding areas. These challenges highlight the critical role of SHAMS' rescue and rehabilitation programs in mitigating such threats.
Beyond rehabilitation efforts, SHAMS conducts scientific and field programs to monitor nesting sites and pinpoint priority conservation areas. Surveys have been conducted across approximately 2,200 beaches along the Saudi Red Sea coast, identifying 23 high-priority nesting sites responsible for about 70% of reported nesting activity in Saudi Red Sea waters.
The findings from these surveys provide a scientific foundation for establishing conservation priorities, monitoring changes, and guiding environmental management and monitoring efforts, contributing to the protection of essential habitats for sea turtles during their reproductive stages.