Turtle released into sea in Beja after four months of care

Tunis: The nesting of sea turtles on Zouara beach and other beaches in the Republic indicates the good health of the Tunisian sea, Environment Minister Leila Chikhaoui Mahdaoui said on Sunday. Speaking to TAP, the minister, who witnessed the release of a turtle into the Zouara sea in Béja, pointed out that the increase in the number of sea turtles shows that the environmental situation is conducive to the reproduction of this species. She underlined the importance of sea turtle nesting on Zouara beach, not only from an ecological point of view, but also for tourism, adding that this event will help promote the region as an eco-tourism destination. The minister underscored the need to preserve this species, which is under serious threat from plastic waste at sea, the main cause of death (45%). In this connection, she pointed out that beach clean-ups began a month ago, calling on summer visitors to cooperate. The release of the turtle is part of a process that began several years ago to turn Zouara into a nesting site. The first release of baby turtles on this beach actually took place in June 2021. Head of the marine turtle centre at the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies researcher Olfa Chaieb highlighted the major role played by this species in strengthening the marine ecosystem. She added that "the turtle released today was named after its saviour, the fisherman Ahmed, and that it has been for four months for a fractured shell." Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse