Marine Turtle Conservation in the Mediterranean
UPDATE REPORT AND REVIEW OF NATURE CONSERVATION MEASURES IN PATARA SPA, TURKEY Report to the 27th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) Prepared by MEDASSET The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles
With grateful thanks to Tracey –Ann and Andrew Cutbush and Dr Pamir Yilmaz August 2007 1. INTRODUCTION.
Turkey is one of the main Mediterranean countries (with Greece and Cyprus) where major loggerhead nesting grounds are located (Groombridge, 1988). In Turkey, Patara beach is an important nesting site mainly for loggerhead turtle, first recorded during a survey conducted in 1988 (Baran and Kasparek, 1989). In 2000, two green turtle nests were also identified, representing the first record of this species in Patara (Erdogan et al., 2001), the westernmost substantiated site for Chelonia mydas nesting in the Mediterranean (Kasparek et al., 2001). Since 1988, there has been considerable concern for this nesting beach in case uncontrolled tourism development may cause the loss or degradation of an important turtle nesting habitat and an archaeological site. The depletion of nesting beaches due to tourism development is one of the main threats in the Mediterranean, where many coasts have been urbanised the past few decades (Venizelos, 2001,1989 - Baren & Kasparek, 1989). The Patara issue was first raised by MEDASSET in 1988 and has since been supported by others at the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) Meetings, where it was subsequently discussed on a regular basis. After the Standing Committee expressed the wish to examine the case of marine turtles in Patara as an urgent case in January 1996 (T-PVS (96) 50), an on-the-spot appraisal was carried out on 21-23 August the same year in order to clarify open questions. The appraisal Report that followed (T-PVS (96) 65) made detailed Recommendations, and the Standing Committee decided in December 1996 to open a file on Patara in order to monitor the effectiveness of conservation measures.
MEDASSET carried out a field survey in summer 1998, and subsequently submitted a report to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention with detailed specific Recommendations for conservation and management (T-PVS (98) 49). Further updated reports and reviews of Conservation Measures were submitted in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. In view of the generally positive development it was decided at the 2001 Standing Committee Meeting to close the file despite some remaining problems. Turkey was asked to continue submitting reports to the Standing Committee on progress made. As a result of MEDASSET’s ongoing “Save Patara” campaign begun in 1989 in collaboration with Turkish archaeologist Prof. Icik of Antalya University, the Programme Officer of UNEP/MAP was invited by the Turkish government to visit Patara on 12 March 2002 regarding the campaign proposal of “World Heritage Site Status”. The aim of this review is to monitor the progress made since 2004 in implementing the Recommendations made by the Standing Committee for the protection of Patara as proposed in 1996 and in 1998. 2. SUMMER 2007. Brief overview: Following from the assessment of Patara nesting beach presented to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention in 2005; an assessment was made in the summer of 2007. There is clear evidence of a significant shift in attitude and interest in the protection of the Caretta caretta from both the local people and the local authorities, and this should be applauded and encouraged. This is a critical time for Patara beach in particular since it seems there is a real opportunity to capture this enthusiasm and build on the efforts made so far. Patara beach has seen some positive conservation measures implemented such as some monitoring, the Information Kiosk, boundary markers and evidence of nests hatching. However the issue of plantation / erosion still remains, as does the expansion of the sun-bed area of the beach and lack of enforcement of any of the conservation restrictions. Sadly, Çayağzi is still in poor condition and does not yet show the same signs of willingness by the locals to improve the situation. Again the plantation is causing erosion problems as do the continued levels of refuse from upstream of the river. Lack of fencing allowing goats onto the beach is more evident than before. Letoon is as reported in the past and the new planting of Palms and Rushes is of concern.
2.1.
Patara Beach
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The Tourist Kiosk is no longer under Merinem Resort Hotel control and is being managed in the manner described in the 2005 report. The area is as large as shown in the 2005 report and appears unrestricted in width although there are signs and posts delineating the extent to how far up the beach the tourists can use. However there is evidence of this not being enforced as in 2005.
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Outside of the area mostly used for sun-beds there is still widespread use and therefore more litter due to lack of bins.
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Information kiosk as reported in 2005 was seen, but information was limited to 2 posters attached to its side and the kiosk was never seen to be manned. See photo 2. Leaflets produced in 2003 not available.
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Some monitoring of nests evident. 2 metal markers on nests near to Beach Patrol table / sun-bed / umbrella area. Other nests have been marked with natural materials as described in 2005 report. According to a report in the Cumhuriyet newspaper (6/6/2007), the responsible University for beach monitoring the Akdeniz University did not start monitoring until August; after most sea turtles have already finished nesting.
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There appears to be some hatching of nests and some predator interference of nests.
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It is evident that the most eastern end of the beach where there is less human activity and less adverse erosion is where the Carreta are choosing to nest the most. A total of 14 nests were counted (not all marked).
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The “restaurant area” by the car park still remains unused and again represents the best potential for an alternative kiosk for beach users.
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Dogs are still being allowed on the beach.
2.2.
Çayağzi
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As in 2005 sand extraction sites were not observed but local sources reported seeing trucks laden with sand / gravel coming from Çayağzi.
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Local source reports night visiting still occurring.
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As reported in 2005 the plantation of Acacia trees in dunes still causes erosion causing ridges on the beach at the waters edge.
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Farmers still camp at riverside within view of beach.
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Vehicles not entering east side of river. But fence beyond vehicle barrier is no longer effective due to neglect and burial by sand. As a result goats kept by farmers camping at rivers side are entering beach area. The entire beach area on east side within 100m of river is covered by goat droppings. Goats were observed at fringe of plantation / beach.
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Litter and animal remains are being washed down onto the beach from river. Evidence of agricultural chemical containers seen. This is mixed in with naturally occurring flotsam and jetsam.
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Monitoring / enforcement non-existent beyond car parking area.
2.3.
Letoon
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Letoon Kiosk is still under local control as reported in 2005.
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Separate bins for plastics, glass and paper set at 50m intervals along the beach as reported in 2005. However bins were observed to be displaced by high tides on 13/08/07 and children seen playing with them (tipping over) on the shore line. Despite the bins there is a high volume of litter on the beach, mainly at borders of plantation.
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Barrier preventing vehicle access to beach at Ozdençay remains. However Safari vehicles are seen going past Letoon Historical site to enter beach at west of Çayağzi. Safari trips to Letoon by hotelier at Patara Village were offered.
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There is still camping on riverbank in view of beach.
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Litter from up stream (Saklikent and Camping) on the river is collecting in the tributary. See Photo 4.
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Beach water table seems to be rising creating wider band of unsuitable nesting sand.
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2 x Kite-surfers and fishing boats observed within 100m of the beach on 14/08/07.
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Additional planting of what appear to be Palms and Rushes on the beach.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS. •
Local environmental awareness at Patara should be carried out. Local sources say that the general attitude to and interest in the conservation of the beach is the best it’s been for years. This should be taken advantage of.
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All areas require constant enforcement of conservation legislation as at present it is minimal bordering on non-existent.
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A formal, visible and consistent program of monitoring of Caretta caretta activity during the nesting, gestation and hatching phases by the Akdeniz University.
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Control of refuse being dumped upstream in the rivers feeding the beach needs implementing as soon as possible, as well as a program of beach cleaning.
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Patara: Posts / signs delineating areas for human use and nesting are should be moved at least another 5 meters closer to the waters edge.
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Human use of beach should be restricted to 200m stretch where existing site is and the rest of the eastern and western side of the beach should be roped off.
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Information kiosk at Patara is desperately underused. As recommended in 2005 more educational material needs to be provided. Full time manning is required. The attendants when in place should be empowered to make hourly beach patrols to distribute information leaflets and remove people and animals from prohibited areas. The kiosk area could have a shaded area beside it where people could leave their dogs.
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As mentioned in previous reports the unused restaurant at Patara should be used instead of the “on beach” kiosk.
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Çayağzi, Letoon and Patara plantations need to be removed and re-planted as recommended in 2005.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION AND TECHNICAL REPORTS PRESENTED BY MEDASSET TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE TO THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS (BERN CONVENTION) AT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE, PUBLISHED UNDER T-PVS REFERENCE: Updated reports prepared from 1990 and published as T-PVS since 1996: T-PVS (96) 53A: MEDASSET (P. Yilmaz, University of Akdeniz): Conservation of Loggerhead Turtles, Caretta caretta, and Construction Projects on the Beach of Patara (Turkey), 2 pages. (Follow-up report with Comments on the: ‘Status Report on Patara Specially Protected Area, Turkey’ by the Authority for the Protection of Special Areas, APSA (23/5/96)). T-PVS (96) 53: MEDASSET: Conservation of Loggerhead Turtles, Caretta caretta, and Construction Projects on the Beach of Patara (Turkey), 9 pages. (Brief Update on MEDASSET’s action to “Save Patara” 1989-1996). T-PVS (97) 45: P. Yilmaz, University of Akdeniz: Marine Turtle Conservation in Patara, Turkey, follow-up report, 4 pages. T-PVS (98) 49: MEDASSET (additional information P. Yilmaz, University of Akdeniz): Specific Site, Marine Turtle Conservation in Patara, Turkey, 13 pages. T-PVS (99) 69: MEDASSET: Specific Site, Caretta caretta in Patara (Turkey), 11 pages. (Status Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures). T-PVS (2000) 57: MEDASSET, (information supplied by P. Yilmaz, Univerity of Akdeniz and Trevor Jones): Conservation of the marine turtle, Caretta caretta, in Patara Turkey, 13 pages. (Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures). T-PVS (2001) 72: MEDASSET, (information supplied by P. Yilmaz, University of Akdeniz, Trevor Jones and 4 volunteers): Review of Nature Conservation Situation in Patara Spa, Turkey, 11 pages. T-PVS/Files (2002) 14: MEDASSET, (information supplied by P. Yilmaz, Univerity of Akdeniz): Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA (Turkey), 10 pages. T-PVS/Files (2003) 12: Commissioned by MEDASSET, prepared by Dr. Monica Aureggi, Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA (Turkey), 25 pages. T-PVS/Files (2004) 13: MEDASSET (information supplied by T Cutbush, A. Cutbush and P. Yilmaz) Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA (Turkey), 7 pages. T-PVS/Files (2005) 06: MEDASSET (information supplied by P.Yilmaz and Perkin, S.) Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA (Turkey). 9 pages. Photos: Photo 1: Patara Nest sites by beds and beach patrol area.
Photo 2: Patara Kiosk, unmanned with the only “educational” material present on the beach
Photo 3: Patara Posts and signs showing beach use “zones” with unpoliced contraventions.
Photo 3: Letoon river waste collecting in reeds on route to sea.