Signal from caretta 'Tuba' lost

The Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER) in Dalyan in the western province of MUĞLA has lost signal from Caretta Caretta named Tuba, on which a satellite tracking device was installed before releasing it into the sea on Aug. 28, 2019.

Tuba, whose number of followers exceeds 9 million, is expected to return to Dalyan this summer and make a nest.

DEKAMER, located at Dalyan İztuzu Beach, follows the life of Caretta caretta and green sea turtles, which are on the red list of endangered species of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), by installing satellite tracking devices on them.

Around 60 sea turtles, including the turtle named Tuba, which attracted public attention when it was released into the sea in 2019, have been monitored by the center. Since 2019, satellite tracking devices have been attached to around 20 sea turtles with the support of the Environment and Urbanization Ministry. In total, the signals of 22 out of 26 turtles were lost at different times.

Stating that Tuba, a female loggerhead Caretta caretta aged 25-30, was released into its natural habitat from İztuzu beach on Aug. 28, 2019, DEKAMER President Professor Yakup Kaska said that the signal of Tuba, which is the longest-tracked animal in the Mediterranean, was cut off as the battery of the device died.

Stating that the number of Tuba's followers exceeded 9 million on the map where it sends its signals and its route can be followed, Kaska said that Tuba has made a great contribution to the promotional activities of both DEKAMER and Türkiye in this respect.

"We expect the longest-tracked animal of the Mediterranean to return to Dalyan beach to nest this summer. Her device is on her back and we can recognize her by her earring...