A recent scientific study has confirmed the presence of a previously unrecorded nesting population of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) at Ghedhabna Beach, on Tunisia’s eastern coast.
Over three consecutive nesting seasons (2023–2025), nearly 40 nests per year on average were recorded, making Ghedhabna the second most important nesting site in Tunisia after the Kuriat Islands.
This discovery represents an important step forward in understanding the evolving distribution of marine turtles in the Mediterranean.
From scattered observations to scientific evidence
The study, supported by SPA/RAC, is led by the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM) in collaboration with the association Notre Grand Bleu and local communities. It combined intensive field monitoring with interviews conducted among 120 local residents.
While nesting had been reported anecdotally for years, this is the first time it has been scientifically documented and assessed.
“Identifying and managing new nesting sites are essential for the reproduction and survival of endangered sea turtles.” underlines the authors.
Beyond ecological data, the study highlights the importance of local knowledge and community engagement in detecting and understanding these emerging nesting areas.
A site under pressure
The research also points to several threats affecting nesting success, including marine litter, uncontrolled beach activities and natural predation.
At the same time, it reveals limited public awareness and the need to strengthen conservation measures through integrated and participatory approaches.
“The urgent need to develop sustainable conservation measures… is essential to ensure population resilience.”
Building on decades of conservation efforts
This discovery builds on long-term efforts of SPA/RAC and several stakeholders to monitor and protect marine turtles in Tunisia and across the Mediterranean.
For more than two decades, SPA/RAC has supported the monitoring of nesting activity, particularly at the Kuriat Islands — the country’s main nesting site — as well as:
- training of experts and practitioners
- development of monitoring protocols under IMAP
- support to rescue and rehabilitation centres
- awareness and community engagement initiatives
These actions are part of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean, implemented under the Barcelona Convention system.
source : spa-rac
