Oman's Conservation Efforts Highlight World Turtle Day

Oman, led by the Environment Authority, will join the global celebration of World Turtle Day tomorrow, May 23. This annual event raises awareness about the importance of turtles in maintaining ecological balance, both on land and sea.

World Turtle Day highlights the challenges turtles face, such as pollution, overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. It encourages people and organizations to protect wildlife by adopting eco-friendly habits, like reducing plastic use and keeping beaches clean. Scientists and reserves also monitor turtles and protect their nesting spots.

Oman’s marine turtles are a vital part of the country’s environment and tourism. For example, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the world’s most famous nesting sites for green turtles. Oman is also home to olive ridley turtles, locally called Al-Tajshar, and hawksbill turtles, with small populations of around 100 and 150 turtles, respectively.

Masirah Island is another key turtle-hosting site, where about 30,000 loggerhead turtles nest annually. It is one of the world’s most important nesting locations and hosts four marine turtle species: loggerhead, green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles.

To protect these turtles, the Environment Authority has developed several protected areas, such as Masirah Island, Ras Al Jinz, and the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. These zones aim to preserve turtle nesting and breeding spots. The protection efforts include monitoring turtles during nesting seasons, safeguarding nests from harm, collecting scientific data, and using satellite tracking to study turtles’ migration paths. These actions help create better conservation strategies.

Oman also spreads awareness through school and community campaigns that teach people about reducing plastic use and the importance of turtle conservation. Sustainable tourism near nesting sites is ensured with regulations, particularly for nighttime activities.

Ahmed bin Said Al Shukaili, Director of the Marine Environment Department at the Environment Authority, shared that annual turtle surveys happen across key locations like Dhofar, Al Wusta, Muscat, South Al Sharqiyah, and South Al Batinah. These surveys assess turtle populations, nesting success, environmental changes, and human impacts like pollution and coastal activities.

“Recent monitoring programs have recorded increased nesting rates in Ras Al Jinz, the Daymaniyat Islands, and Masirah Island, along with a rise in hatchling numbers,” Al Shukaili noted.

The surveys also show environmental shifts like coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and human activities that could affect turtle habitats.

Aida bint Khalaf Al Jabriya, Marine Environment Specialist at the Environment Authority, explained that turtle nesting seasons differ by species and location. For instance, hawksbill turtles nest on the Daymaniyat Islands from January to April, and green turtles at Ras Al Jinz from June to October. On Masirah Island, loggerheads nest from May to September, while hawksbill and olive ridley turtles nest between February and May.

The Environment Authority plans to launch a new turtle conservation project on Masirah Island by 2027. This will include building a natural two-kilometer barrier to manage vehicle access and improve site visits.

Additionally, Oman is working on reducing threats to marine life, regulating fishing methods, cleaning up beaches, and enhancing public awareness programs. These efforts aim to ensure the long-term survival of marine turtles and safeguard the country’s coastal ecosystems.