Üsküdar University is in Fethiye for the Future of Caretta Carettas!

The Fethiye-Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area Marine Turtle (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) Monitoring and Conservation Project, carried out by the General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, is ongoing.

Dr. Doğukan Mutlu from Üsküdar University’s Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, along with students from the department, is also taking part in the project led by Dr. Doğan Sözbilen.

Dr. Doğukan Mutlu said: “The fact that the number of sea turtle nests in Fethiye has not decreased is promising in terms of population, but improvement efforts are needed. The data we collect will contribute to the development of conservation measures in the coming years.”

The Fethiye-Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Project, carried out by the General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, continues with the strong academic involvement of Üsküdar University.

The project, led by Dr. Doğan Sözbilen from Pamukkale University, also involves Dr. Doğukan Mutlu from Üsküdar University’s Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. Moreover, students from Üsküdar University’s Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics are actively contributing to the fieldwork as volunteers.

Nests are identified and protected

With the start of the sea turtle breeding season in May, nests have been identified and placed under protection along a total of 8.5 kilometers of beach within the Fethiye district. As the nesting season nears its end, hatchlings continue to emerge from the protected nests and make their way to the sea. It is expected that the hatching and sea-entry process will continue until the end of September.

One of the four experts in the project is from Üsküdar University

Dr. Doğukan Mutlu, one of the four experts involved in the project, stated that in addition to conservation activities, scientific studies are also being conducted to predict the gender of hatchlings. Emphasizing that sea turtles do not have sex chromosomes and that the gender of the hatchlings is determined by temperature, Dr. Mutlu explained:

Climate change affects gender…

“High temperatures result in female hatchlings, while low temperatures result in male hatchlings. Previous studies conducted on the beaches of Fethiye have shown that, compared to other regions of the Mediterranean, more male hatchlings are produced here. However, we believe this may change due to climate change. Rising temperatures are predicted to lead to a feminization of the population across the Mediterranean. For this reason, it is of great importance to continue monitoring studies without interruption.”

Dr. Mutlu stated that the Çalış, Yanıklar, and Akgöl beaches are officially designated nesting areas, adding that conservation activities are also being carried out in nearby small coves and beaches.

Highlighting that the work is conducted in cooperation with local residents, non-governmental organizations, and public institutions, Dr. Mutlu concluded: “The fact that the number of sea turtle nests in Fethiye is not decreasing is promising in terms of population, but improvement efforts are needed. The data we collect will contribute to the development of conservation measures in the coming years.”

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)