Marine conservation project Cyprus
Marine conservation project Xenios
With our Xenios project, we are committed to the protection of sea turtles around Cyprus, focusing in particular on those that have reached the juvenile stage.
Sea turtle database
We identify sea turtles based on the pattern on the side of their face. This is the most non-invasive method of identification for sea turtles.
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The left and right sides are not identical.
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If possible, photos should be taken from the side at the same height.
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Using AI, our database is scanned for matches.
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The final identification is confirmed by us visually.
Our commitment to protecting the oceans
A total of 3 species of sea turtles are found in Cyprus:
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Green Sea Turtle (ENG: Green Sea Turtle / LAT: Chelonia mydas)
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Loggerhead Sea Turtle (ENG: Loggerhead Sea Turtle / LAT: Caretta caretta)
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Leatherback Sea Turtle (ENG: Leatherback Sea Turtle / LAT: Dermochelys coriacea)
Around the Protaras and Agia Napa region, we primarily observe green sea turtles. Occasionally, we also dive with loggerhead turtles. However, we find these more often in the Larnaca region and at the Zenobia wreck.
The leatherback turtle does not live permanently in the Mediterranean and only comes by occasionally to feed. A sighting is very unlikely during our dives.
Learn more about sea turtles with our Xenios snorkeling trip project and the PADI Mediterranean Sea Turtle Specialist course.
The monitoring and the database
Our goal is to analyze the impact of tourism on sea turtles and to determine how many sea turtles live in the region and around Cyprus, as well as their migration routes. We share this data with MER Research and other organizations interested in the analysis.
Spotting and recording
If we see a sea turtle during one of our dives or snorkeling trips, we try to take a photo of it. Ideally, we get shots of the left and right sides of its head, as well as a full-body shot. However, we also make sure not to stress the sea turtle too much.
We also note down the following information:
- Location of sighting
- Depth of sighting
- Behavior of the turtle upon first sighting
- Surroundings (boats, swimmers, divers)
- Other sea turtles in the area
- Health status of the sea turtle
Our commitment to protecting the oceans
Number of individually registered turtles currently:
84
