Dead Caretta caretta Turtle Found in a Fishing Net in the Gulf of Monastir
A Caretta caretta (loggerhead) sea turtle was discovered dead last Sunday tangled in a fishing net in the Gulf of Monastir, according to the conservation association Notre Grand Bleu.
- The carcass was first spotted by a local fisherman, who immediately alerted the association’s members.
- An emergency response team rushed to the site, confirmed the turtle’s condition, and retrieved the animal.
- The dead turtle was then transferred to the Marine Turtle Care Center of the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM) in Monastir for documentation and scientific follow‑up.
Preliminary Findings
Early observations suggest that the turtle’s death was most likely caused by accidental capture (by‑catch) in fishing gear, a recurring issue that remains one of the greatest threats to loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean Sea.
Call to Action
Notre Grand Bleu urges fishermen and the general public to report any sighting of trapped, injured, or dead marine turtles without delay. Prompt notifications enable rapid interventions and ensure that the handling of the animals follows current scientific protocols.
These community reports are essential for:
- Improving scientific monitoring of turtle populations.
- Enhancing protection measures for an iconic species of the Mediterranean ecosystem.
Read also: Menzel Jemil: Three Students Set Their High School on Fire!
Keywords: Caretta caretta, loggerhead turtle, by‑catch, fishing net, Gulf of Monastir, Mediterranean Sea, marine conservation, INSTM, Notre Grand Bleu.
