Sea Turtle Eggs

sea turtle nest

sea turtle nest

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority takes great efforts to protect and preserve sea turtles. Beginning in the 90s, the Authority implemented a plan to encourage the preservation of sea turtles along the coasts of Israel. The rangers attempt to make certain that most of the eggs that are laid hatch and that the baby turtles make their way to the sea safely. In order to do so, a number of hatcheries have been established on Israeli beaches. One such hatchery is in the Western Galilee on Bezet Beach. Throughout the summer season (from May to August), rangers examine the beaches early in the morning in order to find a sea turtle nest. Upon finding a nest, the eggs are carefully moved to the hatchery.

 

Sea turtles are subject to many dangers both on the shore and in the water.

  • Natural predators both on the shore and in the water.
  • Humans hunt them for their meat.
  • Fisher-people unwittingly cause damage when a hook gets caught in their mouths or the sea turtle gets caught in the fishing nets
  • Garbage that we leave on the beach gets swept into the sea
  • Pollution in the sea ( for example tar)
  • Injury by a sea vehicle (jet skis etc.)
  • Damage to the nests on the beach (tents, marinas that have been built, construction along the shore, riding along the shore in dune buggies, dogs that dig up the nests, etc.)
 baby sea turtles

baby sea turtles

It is important to know that various sea turtle species in Israel have been declared protected species according to the law and they are not to be injured, captured, or disturbed in any way.

After hatching, rangers and concerned volunteers accompany the baby sea turtles on the beach to make certain that they get to the sea safely.

 

 

 

How can you help?

If you see a sea turtle alive or dead, immediately report it to the Emergency Center – *6911

 

 

 

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