Marine

Wild Loggerhead Turtle Mediterranean Welfare Challenges

Loggerhead turtles nest on Mediterranean beaches and face threats from fishing bycatch, boat strike and beach development. Their welfare requires international coordination.

Key Facts

Loggerheads nest on beaches in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Libya
Longline fisheries bycatch is a major mortality source for Mediterranean loggerheads
Sea turtle excluder devices on trawls reduce bycatch without major catch loss
Beach lighting disrupts hatchling orientation toward the sea

Welfare Considerations

Loggerhead welfare in the Mediterranean requires coordinated action across nesting beach protection, fisheries bycatch reduction, and boat strike prevention. Dark sky ordinances on nesting beaches significantly improve hatchling welfare by reducing disorientation.

What You Can Do

Support Archelon turtle conservation on Greek nesting beaches
Choose Mediterranean seafood from longline fisheries with turtle mitigation measures
Advocate for nesting beach lighting restrictions during turtle nesting season