Dozens of Caretta Caretta sea turtle hatchlings have begun to merge from the eggs in nests around the Didim district.

Thanks to the help of local citizens and volunteers from the Ecosystem Conservation and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD) and the Aydın Nature Conservation and National Parks Provincial Branch, hatchlings were reported to be emerging this week.

There were several from a nest at Sagtur, which the local community has taken to overseeing.

Hatchlings were also emerging from a nest on the beach of the Parlementler site in Didim. The controlled nest opening was attended by Aydın Nature Conservation and National Parks Provincial Branch Manager Egemen İşcan, DKMP Söke Chief Erdinç Holly, EKODOSD members and citizens living on the site.

It was observed that the incubation period of the offspring was longer compared to previous years. The number of hatchlings reaching the sea on the 71st day was 55, with the first hatchlings hatching on the 64th day. In total 87 eggs had been laid.

Citizens living on the site, where Carettas have nested and laid their eggs for the last five years, expressed their satisfaction. A team selected from experienced children and young people from the residents of the Parliamentarians site voluntarily made great efforts to deliver the hatchlings to the sea in a healthy way.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to Ayşegül Yıldırım, Mina Soydaş, Kuzey Soydaş, Arda Gürkan and Nehir Alnajjar, the volunteers of the site’s nesting area.

It was reported that another three nests in Didim and two in Kuşadası are presently being overseen, and with nest protection fences in place.