A CARETTA caretta giant sea turtle has been recovered alive off the coast of Altinkum Bay, but three were found dead in other locations, it has been revealed.

Didim Coast Guard, Didim Council and the District Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Directorate teams worked to recover an exhausted turtle yesterday (Wed).

It was found injured and struggling in open waters in Altinkum Bay. Concerned locals tipped off the authorities who responded swiftly.

It has been transferred to the Sea Turtle Research and Rescue Center (DEKAMER) located in  Ortaca, Mugla Province to be treated.

Meanwhile, the remains of three turtles were recovered from around the Didim coastline in recent days – although it appears that none had suffered injuries contributing to their deaths.

Working with the Marine Turtle Research and Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER), the Ecosystem Protection and Nature Loving Association (EKODOSD) teams went to the designated sites a few days ago and examined the dead carettas on site.

EKODOSD President Bahattin Sürardi said the caretta carettas were found dead on the beach at Yeşilkent, another was found further along the coast and another one near the Police Training Center in Didim.

Tissue samples were taken from the dead sea turtles and transferred to Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Science for scientific study.

However, he did speak generally of the amount of plastic waste and nylon ropes that were in the sea and affecting local habitats, such as the turtles.

He said: “Nylon bags and plastic wastes poured into the sea are swallowed by these creatures as they are thought to be eaten by food. While these wastes block their bowels, sea turtles are disturbed by their inability to feed and after awhile they lose their lives.

“The Provincial Directorates of Environment and Urban Planning should make the necessary inspections on these coasts and, in terms of marine ecosystem, and tackle the environmental pollution.”