Fourteen sea turtles were found dead on Thursday, March 20, 2025, along the coastline between Oued ez Zerkine and Oued Gabès. This discovery was made by the Association for the Conservation of Wetlands in Southern Tunisia, led by Noufel Hamoud.
This wave of mortality occurs during the turtle nesting period, a phenomenon that raises concerns for the region’s marine biodiversity. According to Hamoud, the causes of these deaths are likely linked to turtles becoming entangled in fishing nets. « It is possible that while approaching the coast to lay eggs, the turtles collide with the nets, leading to suffocation and death, » he explained in a statement to Mosaique FM.
The association is implementing a thorough monitoring of the situation with a team on the ground as part of the « Save the Sea Turtles » project, funded by the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (SPA/RAC). The goal of the project is to reduce this phenomenon and raise awareness among fishermen and local stakeholders about the need to protect these vulnerable species.
Noufel Hamoud emphasized the importance of collective mobilization to combat this recurring phenomenon, which particularly occurs during this time of year. He called on fishermen to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices to prevent such incidents.
Source: La Presse
