Conservation Strategies for Safeguarding Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches in the Mediterranean

The loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles rely on Mediterranean coastal beaches for nesting in order to complete their life cycle. Maintenance and protection of these sites is essential not only for nesting females but also for the hatchlings taking their first steps into the water. This dissertation explores the life cycle, in particular the nesting period, of the two resident species of sea turtles while examining the Mediterranean nesting sites and highlighting the factors that are crucial for their conservation. Geographical positions of the sites are considered, as different coastal regions comply with their own regulations and management frameworks. These habitats face natural and anthropogenic threats, posing significant challenges for survival of these species. Key threats investigated include climate change, shifting nesting patterns, predation, parasites and diseases, light pollution, poaching and coastal development. A review of legislations, public engagement projects and nest monitoring programs is conducted. Furthermore, it summarises the current conservation strategies aimed at providing the highest level of animal care to sea turtles instinctively returning to Mediterranean beaches. Throughout, it considers perspectives of different stakeholders, including animals themselves, animal caretakers, rescue centres, the tourism industry and the general public. This dissertation addressed two main questions; What are the primary threats to sea turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean? How effective are the current conservation efforts, and what strategies could improve them? While answering these questions, the dissertation dives into existing projects and policies, assessing their effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improving animal welfare on these sites. Finally, the following research proposes targeted conservation strategies and introduces a comparative table outlining region-specific conservation needs, contributing to the ongoing efforts to safeguard Mediterranean sea turtle nesting sites for future generations.