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General Information:
The research site in Yumurtalik region consists of 4 small beaches known as "Sugozu Beaches" which are located in the city of Adana within the districts of Yumurtalik and Ceyhan. Yumurtalik Lagoon, a protected area with a "Nature Protection Area" status, is situated very close to the nesting beaches. The Lagoon is an important site for both fisheries and the birds. Present around the 3.5 km sea turtle nesting beaches are industrial establishments either planned for construction or already finished.

Panoramic view of Botas Beach

Importance of The Region In Terms of Sea Turtles :
Approximately 70% of the average 1400 green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests annually laid in the Mediterranean are present along Turkey's beaches. Therefore, whatever measure Turkey may take concerning the endangered green sea turtles are of vital importance. Sugozu Beaches had not been able to gain a nesting site status until recent years, despite hosting 20% of that 70% (~ 1000 nests annually). Nevertheless, EKAD's Project carried out within the scope of BTC's Environmental Investment Program has helped realising the importance of the region in terms of green sea turtles, and as a result, attempts have started to bring protection status to the region.

A Chelonia mydas hatchling emerged from one of the nests in the region		A Chelonia mydas adult female going back to the sea after nesting

Field Studies:
Field studies in the region are carried out by a team consisting of about 30 people, between May-September regarding the periods of emergence of adults and hatchlings. During those periods, data collection is carried out between 06°°-12°° in morning shifts and between 21°°-05°° in night shifts by teams of 2-3 people in each sub-section. Field surveys are conducted the same way as in Belek region.

Measuring and tagging an adult female during a night shift		Nest locating and measuring its distance from the sea during morning shift

Caging a nest against natural predation		Control opening to determine the hatchling success

Educational Studies:
Briefings and Press Conferences: A Project Introduction Conference has been held in Ceyhan Administrative Office Conference Hall (September 19th, 2003) with the attendance of 44 people consisting of 12 pressmen and 21 local public authorities.

Introductory Field Survey on Project Sites with Pressmen: A field survey has been held after the meeting held in Ceyhan-Adana on September 19th, 2003, for the purpose of acquainting pressmen with the project sites and field studies. A press group of about 20 people attended the field survey.

Beach Talks for Informing Local People: About 450 beach occupants have been provided with information about the sea turtles and protection studies, and given related brochures during field studies (between August-September 2003, May-September 2004, and May-September 2005).

Educational Practices for Primary School Students: We have reached about a total of 450 students in 4 different primary schools in settlement centres of Yumurtalik and Ceyhan districts, which are close to the beaches. We have given the students level determining questionnaires before and after presentations, drawing and sculpting workshops, and theater plays in order to see how their knowledge has improved.

Meetings and Seminars with Local Authorities: We have held about 15 project meetings with local authorities. Our approach and attitude in those meetings and interviews have always been aimed at maintaining the active contribution of local authorities to our project, besides providing them information about the progress of the project.