The ceremony held at Iztuzu Beach was attended by Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık, PAU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Rector Prof. Dr. Turhan Kaçar, Dokuz Eylül University Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdi Şükür Kılıç, Ortaca District Governor Kenan Aktaş, Mayor Evren Tezcan, protocol members, representatives of non-governmental organizations, international guests, and many invitees.

Migration Routes to Be Tracked with Domestic Technology

With the satellite tracking devices developed by Plan-S, the migration routes, habitats, and behaviors of the sea turtles in different environments will be monitored over the long term. This will provide valuable scientific data for species conservation and ecosystem management.

Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör: “We will continue our efforts to protect nature and preserve the values of the Blue Homeland.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör said: “Our turtle named Tuğba was treated here six years ago and released into the sea, making her way as far as the Adriatic. She returned this year for treatment, was fitted with a device again, and today we released her back into the sea. This year, 23 turtles have been treated; 4 were released earlier, and 7 today. By the end of the year, we aim to return another 13–14 turtles to their natural environment. We will make more effective use of the center’s 17 years of experience. Today, seeing our children enthusiastically send the little turtles to the sea added a special joy to the event.”

Seven Turtles, Seven Stories

Yağmur Ege: Estimated 36–41 years old. Brought to the center two months ago with a respiratory infection and diving problem. Received special respiratory therapies and diving exercises during treatment, regaining vital functions.

Tuba-2025: Estimated 45–50 years old. Treated and released with a satellite device in 2019, becoming the longest-monitored turtle in the Mediterranean. Returned this year to nest; treated for shell deformation and parasite infection before being released again.

Atlas: Estimated 45–50 years old. Found with its left rear flipper amputated. Received treatment for damaged tissue and participated in programs to strengthen swimming ability.

Cosmos: Estimated 21–26 years old. Weakened diving reflexes due to being fed incorrect foods by humans. After a one-year natural feeding protocol, regained healthy behavioral patterns. Will be monitored for many years with a domestic satellite device.

Nilgün: Estimated 22–27 years old. Developed a digestive tract infection due to ingesting plastic waste. Recovered after ten months of treatment.

Balım: Estimated 24–29 years old. Arrived with its right front flipper amputated. Feeding problems and limited diving reflex were corrected through physiotherapy and a special diet.

Elsa (Chelonia mydas): A young green sea turtle, estimated 7–8 years old. Treated for severe parasite infection and had its immune system strengthened.

370 Turtles Released into the Sea in 17 Years

DEKAMER Director Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska stated that of the 630 sea turtles brought to the center to date, 370 have been rehabilitated and released into their natural habitats. He emphasized that nest protection activities have continued uninterrupted since 1988 and that with domestic technology and international collaborations, the goal is to protect the species both on land and at sea.

The release of these seven sea turtles from Iztuzu into the blue waters represents the latest example of ongoing efforts to protect the marine ecosystem and generate scientific data for future generations.