Dr. Hicham Younes, President of the "Green South
Association," stated that
“The death of sea turtles at this rate—three found in a
single location over a short period- is significant and catastrophic,
considering the limited population size and the unique ecological role these
animals play.”
He emphasised that
“This incident requires investigation and verification, as
there are several possible causes, some of which can only be confirmed through
necropsy.”
Dr. Younes explained:
“Two main factors have consistently contributed to the
mortality and decline in sea turtle populations: the deterioration of habitats
due to encroachments on both the beaches and in the sea, and pollution. Most of
the cases documented last year by the Green Observatory, including an
elderly turtle successfully rescued and returned to the sea in Naqoura on
22/9/2016 by the ‘Green’ team, were attributed to pollution—either due to
ingestion of plastic waste or entanglement in fishing nets, which caused
suffocation.”
He added:
“Climate change is another factor, as rising surface
temperatures of both the water and the beach, according to studies, have impacted
turtle behavior, activity, and nesting timelines. It has also contributed to
the spread of certain diseases affecting the species.”
“This incident,” he continued,
“places additional responsibility on the government,
relevant ministries, and local municipalities to intensify efforts to protect
coastal and marine environments.” He called for
“the complete removal of all illegal structures and encroachments, which are
not only unlawful but cause severe harm to marine and coastal ecosystems and to
biodiversity. Sea turtles are at the top of the list of victims of this chaos
and pollution.”
Dr. Younes also urged
“the urgent implementation of a comprehensive master plan
for the Lebanese coastline, which must address this alarming situation. Beyond
the violations of public maritime property, the ongoing damage is catastrophic
to marine biodiversity and public health.”
Finally, he praised
“the cooperation and commitment of the Tyre Municipality and
the management of the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve regarding this issue, as well
as the measures they have taken to ban dynamite fishing and pursue incidents of
harm to sea turtles.”
http://greenarea.me/ar/201653/%D9%86%D9%81%D9%88%D9%82-%D8%AB%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AB-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%81-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AA/
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