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A new Hope for Marsa Abu Dabbab

The HEPCA Turtle Team concluded its second field survey in the Southern Egyptian Red Sea in August. One of the aims of this project is to collect pictures suitable for photo-identification in order to establish a catalogue of resident marine turtles in each surveyed site. Marsa Abu Dabbab is a known hot-spot for marine turtles. Most of them are adult females, feeding on the abundant sea-grass patches within the bay. Unfortunately, the place is also heavily exploited and every day hundreds of snorkelers and divers swim in the bay looking for these beautiful animals. After our first field survey, we had some concern about the presence of so many people because, while old turtles seem to be accustomed to snorkelers and divers, young individuals could be scared by them and decide not to settle in this area. However, during our August survey we had the chance to spot a very small green turtle (approx. 30 cm long). We named it Hope, because we think it will bring some fresh air to the resident turtle population in Abu Dabbab. When baby green turtles reach the sea after leaving their nest, they usually enter ocean currents and drift passively for a few years (8 to 11 according to some studies) and finally, when reached a size of 30-35 cm, they enter a shallow, protected area where they will spend a long time until becoming adults. Hope clearly chose Abu Dabbab as its house for the next few years. However, if we want the young turtle to stay, it is fundamental not to try to catch, harass or swim after it. If you want to fully enjoy the experience of swimming with marine turtles, remember that these are wild animals so don’t feed them, don’t try to catch, touch or ride them while they are feeding or breathing. If you want to take pictures, always approach the animal gently from the back or a side and always keep a safety distance as a turtle bite can be quite painful. Don’t chase turtles, if they decide to swim away from you it is because they feel threatened. If you see people touching, feeding, chasing or catching turtles, please tell them that this behavior is wrong and report it to us.