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Two loggerhead sea turtles, named "Inci" and "Mercan," were released into the Mediterranean from Ulualan Public Beach after being fitted with satellite tracking devices. The tracking is part of the "Miner Turtle" research project, a joint initiative by Türkiye's General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the Ecological Research Society (EKAD), and TUPRAG Metal Mining.
Prior to their release, the turtles were equipped with the tracking technology at the Manavgat Kizilot nesting beach.
The project, which aims to gather scientific data on sea turtles' migration routes, feeding grounds, and wintering areas, recorded 4,497 loggerhead turtle nests and 314,867 eggs during the 2024–2025 period.
Over the same period, 110,019 hatchlings were recorded reaching the sea, while a further 10,569 hatchlings were rescued during monitoring checks. The project also delivered biodiversity education to 3,100 students, 1,450 tourism workers, and 1,900 tourists.
Over the past three years, TUPRAG has fitted six loggerhead turtles with satellite trackers to study migration routes, feeding zones, and adaptation to climate change, said Project Coordinator Cansu Ulusoy.
The trackers detach naturally within two to three years to avoid harming the turtles during mating season.
This year, for the first time, the devices also measure body temperature and behavior, offering new insight into the species, according to volunteer Meltem Mia Corapci. Fellow volunteer Mina Delfin Yilmaz called the fieldwork a rewarding experience.
The event also featured a photo exhibition by underwater filmmaker Tahsin Ceylan, showcasing loggerhead turtles and other marine life.
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