Officials and experts meet to discuss research results on sea turtle nesting in Albania
An online meeting was held on 1 October 2020 within the framework of the research project “Exploration of potential nesting sites & design of conservation measures for sporadic nesting in Albania (2018-2019)” that is implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku. Although it is known that important sea turtle populations feed and overwinter in Albania’s coastal waters, it was only in 2018 that the first officially confirmed hatched nest was recorded at Divjaka beach. The research project aims to address the potential and sporadic nesting that may occur in Albania, especially in light of climate change.
The meeting was opened by Mr. Julien Semelin of the MAVA Foundation which is funding the activities in Albania as part of the regional project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region”. The regional project was introduced by the project leader, Ms. Lobna Ben Nakhla of the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) of the UN Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP).
Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku and Vicky Rae, MEDASSET’s Scientific Officer, presented the Albanian project results. All sandy beaches were assessed to evaluate their suitability for supporting sea turtle nesting by combing two different methodologies: beach transects and drone images. “Forty-five sites were assessed as exhibiting high and medium suitability for nesting” Dr. Sacdanaku explained. “Preliminary analysis of data, highlight the importance of sea turtle nests laid in Albania as they contribute to the male population of sea turtles in the Mediterranean” added Ms Rae, referring to the sand temperature data that was collected on 7 beaches, as part of a Mediterranean study coordinated by DEKAMER to assess incubation temperatures and to infer hatchling sex ratios.
Ms Tatjana Mehillaj of Vlore Regional Agency of Protected Area (RAPA) presented the efforts undertaken for sea turtle conservation and the potential threats: “Shipping activity, touristic development, aquacultures, fisheries and marine litter impose pressure on sea turtles”, noted Ms Mehillaj. Mr. Ervin Allushi of the RAPA of Fier highlighted the sea turtle conservation activities taking place since 2015, noting that “Monitoring activities include beach surveys and drone monitoring of the very important Divjaka beach”.
Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska, DEKAMER Chairman, presented the route of a satellite-tracked turtle that reached the Albanian coasts and explained how satellite tracking and genetic samples from sea turtles have helped link populations that are present in Albania with the populations present in Turkey, Greece, etc. “For the first time, thanks to MAVA foundation, all partners use the same methodology to collect genetic samples, isotope samples and also sand and temperature data” explained Prof. Dr. Kaska.
Ms. Eleana Touloupaki, presented the continuation of the project activities such as field work, including drone surveys, and local capacity building through technical trainings. “With the kind support of the MAVA Foundation in 2021-2022 and with the precious collaboration of Albanian authorities and experts, our long term work in Albania continues and offers a great opportunity for better understanding of conservation issues such as climate change” remarked Ms Touloupaki.
The research results and the future activities were discussed by meeting participants, which included Ms. Elvana Ramaj of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Antonela Cobanaj of the National Agency for Protected Areas and representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas: Durrës (Besard Zeneli); Vlorë (Nexhip Hysolakoj, Artion Seferi, Valentina Fejzo); Fier (Enea Malaj). The meeting was also followed by Ms. Sabina Çano of the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania.
MEDASSET and Dr. Sacdanaku thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the National Agency for Protected Areas and the representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas for their collaboration, which was strengthened and renewed during the meeting, for the implementation of the project in 2021-2022.
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Project website: www.medmarineturtles.org
Project video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzqefgxrSWc&t=6s
