KUWAIT: The Scientific Center, part of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, has released nine green sea turtles, an endangered species, into the sea from Qaruh Island after rehabilitating them as part of the national project to track sea turtles in Kuwait. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and Kuwait University (KU).

Abdullah Al-Zaidan, Deputy Director General of Technical Affairs at the Environment Public Authority, stressed the importance of joint efforts between governmental, non-governmental, and volunteer organizations to ensure the sustainability of endangered species and preserve the marine environment.

Several species of sea turtles, including the Hawksbill, Green, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Kemp’s Ridley, and Flatback, are endangered or critically endangered due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, bycatch, and marine pollution. Al-Zaidan noted that two species of sea turtles are found in Kuwait: the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. These species are primarily found in the southern islands, where they have suitable natural habitats for protection. Coral reefs in these areas also provide essential food sources for the turtles. He highlighted Qaruh Island as one of the most important islands forming key habitats for marine turtles.

Director General of the Scientific Center Musaed Al-Yassin said releasing the turtles supports the Indian Ocean-South East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding (IOSEA) to conserve sea turtles and their habitats, which Kuwait signed in June.

He explained that the national project to track sea turtles is a collaborative effort which aims to collect essential scientific data to protect sea turtles and raise public awareness about the importance of conserving their natural habitats. The national project for tracking sea turtle migration uses advanced tracking devices to collect data on turtle nests, egg-laying sites, and migration routes. Additionally, it aims to designate these areas as protected nature reserves to safeguard the habitats from harmful human activities. — KUNA