T pvsfiles(2002)14

T-PVS/Files (2002) 14 Marine Turtle Conservation in the Mediterranean

UPDATE REPORT AND REVIEW OF NATURE CONSERVATION MEASURES IN PATARA SPA, TURKEY nd

Report to the 22 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 From information supplied by Pamir Yilmaz, University of Akdeniz September 2002

BACKGROUND The beach of Patara on the Turkish Mediterranean coast has been identified in 1988 as one of the most important nesting beaches of Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean (Baran & Kasparek 1989). The beach (Addendum I – Map) is among the 13 most important nesting beaches in Turkey. According to assessments in recent years, the number of nests on the beach varies roughly between 33 and 85 per season (MEDASSET 1998).

Following the successful discovery of a significant turtle population on the beach in 1988, the Turkish government on 2 March 1990, declared the area a Specially Protected Area (SPA), and put it under the responsibility of the Authority for Specially Protected Areas (APSA) which was then under the Prime Minister’s Office and now belongs to the Ministry for the Environment. Patara has an outstanding landscape, fauna and flora, and a unique archaeological site. Any conservation efforts should take into account the overall protection of the area.

The Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats had already recommended in 1988, that the Government of Turkey give appropriate protection to the beach and specifically called in recommendation no. 24 (11 January, 1991) for a halt in construction activities until management plans were drawn up.

The Patara issue was first brought up by MEDASSET in 1988 and has since been supported by others in the Standing Committee 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 Aug. that year in order to clarify open questions.

The appraisal Report (Document T-PVS (96) 65) makes detailed Recommendations, and the Standing Committee decided in December 1996 to keep the Patara file open in order to monitor the effectiveness of conservation measures. As the report still left some questions open, 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 update reports and review of Nature Conservation Measures were submitted in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

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 our ongoing “Save Patara” campaign begun in 1989 with Turkish archaeologist Prof. Icik of Antalya University, the Programme Officer of UNEP/MAP was invited by the Turkish government to visit Patara regarding our proposal of “World Heritage Status” on 12 March 2002. The Turkish officials kept him to the itinerary they had prepared, and prevented MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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T-PVS/Files (2002) 14 him being accompanied by Turkish Antalya University archaeologists as suggested by MEDASSET. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW The aim of this review is to monitor the progress made in implementing the Recommendations for the protection of Patara adopted by the Standing Committee in 1996 and the Recommendations worked out by MEDASSET in 1996 and in 1998.

RESULTS There has been considerable improvement in the situation at Patara although much still needs to be done especially in the field of nest protection and turtle conservation.

The following specific observations were made in summer 2002: • The ban on hunting in the area of Patara seems to have been successful, and the bird population has noticeably increased.

•

Sand and shingle extraction has been stopped.

•

Agricultural encroachment has stopped, but agro-chemicals leaching into the River Esen affect the area.

•

The solid waste has been removed from the Dunes, but no information on the recycling process was available. The rubbish tip has moved to Dalamut/Gavdir, outside the ASPA.

•

There has been no additional forestation of the dunes, and some of the protective fencing has been removed. As a result of past plantation to stabilise the sand, new dunes are starting to form on the nesting area of the beach making nesting very difficult for turtles.

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Liquid waste from septic tanks is being dumped at the western side of the wetlands area.

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Nest monitoring continued to be carried out by Akdeniz University students, but nest protection from predation and human impact was largely ineffective.

•

Although information leaflets have been prepared, they were not on display in the village or at the beach. Discussions are being held regarding a permanent information centre at the beach (hopefully, not in the middle of the nesting beach).

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Refuse bins remain on the nesting beach at the café end, at only 20 metres from the water, and are emptied each morning by a tractor which drives along the beach during the entire nesting and hatching season.

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300 metres of fencing that was planted in 2001 remain, enclosing an area of the dunes.

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Floodlights of the Beyhan Hotel are no longer visible from the beach, however the lights of the ASPA (Specially Protected Area Authority) facility remain on all night for the guards.

A strong searchlight is used by beach guards to check the beach at night.

•

Camper vans prevented from access to the beach were parked on the banks of the Oelen River in Letoon.

•

A community meeting on eco-tourism was held in the village on 7 September 2002, with local people, ASPA representatives, T.E.M.A. environmental NGO, Turtle biologists from Patara and Belek, and tourists.

•

An information sign drawing attention to the ban on walking in the dunes, at the end of the hillside track has been destroyed. More signs are needed.

•

The safari tours on Patara village nesting beach have been stopped, and they are now operating on a designated safari trail.

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MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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T-PVS/Files (2002) 14

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The number of sunbeds remains at around 200, and they are not removed from the beach at night, interfering with turtle nesting.

•

Umbrellas rented from the beach kiosk were stuck straight into the sand, jeopardizing possible nesting.

•

Since early 1999, the area behind the beach has been set on fire 9 times, causing grave damage to the archaeological site, and destroying valuable flora and fauna. This year no fires were reported.

•

A project to build a road at the Ancient Lighthouse area of the archaeological site has been provisionally dropped.

Nine Recommendations had been formulated in 1996 following the on the spot appraisal, and 48 in 1998 by MEDASSET, all of which have been reviewed in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

MEDASSET recommends that the lights of the ASPA facility should be extinguished at night, and urges further implementation of the previous recommendations, especially as regards nest protection and turtle conservation fieldwork. Also, the kiosk beach should be moved to near the entrance to the beach, away from the nesting area, where it can better assist in controlling the beach entrance at night.

CONCLUSION Turkey has made considerable progress in implementation of the Recommendations on the conservation and management of the Patara beach, as expressed in documents T-PVS (96) 65, T-PVS (98) 49 and T-PVS (99) 69. MEDASSET recommends that the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats should continue to review the progress of the implementation of the Recommendations on a regular basis, although the file has been closed.

Addendum 1: Map of Patara beach and SPA. Addendum 2: Map of S.E. end of Patara beach.

Addendum 3: Photographs.

MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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T-PVS/Files (2002) 14 TABLE 1. MONITORING OF THE REACTION OF TURKEY TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS WORKED OUT DURING AN ON-THE-SPOT APPRAISAL TO PATARA IN AUGUST 1996 AND PRESENTED TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS (DOCUMENT TPVS (96) 65).

1996 Recommendations in Report T-PVS (96) 65 (Bern Convention)

July - September 2002 Observations

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Ensure that the protection of the Patara archaeological No further human settlement. site continues to prevent any human settlement behind the beach.

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Enforce regulations against illegal buildings.

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Control tourist flow, because too large a volume of No control measure arrangements tourists will generate numerous problems for the were observed. environment in the Specially Protected Area (SPA) and in particular for marine turtles.

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Organise regular monitoring of marine turtles during Monitoring was carried out by the nesting season, as was done in 1996.

Akdeniz University.

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Alert the local population and tourists to the importance A leaflet has been produced, but not on display in the village or near of protecting marine turtles. the beach. A Community meeting on eco-tourism was held in September 2002.

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Erect a barrier in front of the car-parks for the middle The barrier remains in place with and the north sections of the beach and ban motor no access to vehicles. traffic from the north section.

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Erect an information sign at the end of the hillside track The sign erected has been at the edge of the beach and ensure that a fourth way destroyed and should be replaced. onto the beach is not formed there, draw attention to the ban on walking in the dunes.

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Continue plantations to stabilise the dunes, particularly the hedges on the top of the first range of dunes at the back of the beach, so as to accentuate the dark side of the horizon from which the marine turtles take their bearings.

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Ensure that no powerful, tall, seaward-facing lights are The flood-lights of Beyhan Hotel erected in the village or between it and the beach. can no longer be seen from the beach.

Illegally constructed buildings still in situ but no new illegal buildings.

The sand dunes are relatively stable. Local people continue to use the area for picnics. Large bins have been provided.

MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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T-PVS/Files (2002) 14 TABLE 2. MONITORING OF THE REACTION OF TURKEY TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS WORKED OUT BY MEDASSET IN 1998 AND PRESENTED TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS (DOCUMENT T-PVS (98) 49).

1998 Recommendations in T-PVS (98) 49 (MEDASSET) 1. Hunting – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To stop illegal hunting outside the hunting season.

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To clearly mark the borders of the area in which Of the two signs erected, the one on the beach road has been hunting is totally prohibited. removed.

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To extend the ban on hunting over the entire sand More signs are needed and the old ones should be replaced. dune ecosystem.

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To stop illegal fishing with shotguns and dynamite.

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To encourage the participation of local people and Warnings have been issued by the police. authorities in the control of illegal hunting activities.

2. Sand and shingle extraction – It was recommended:

The ban on hunting has been successful, and the bird population has noticeably increased.

Attempts are being made.

July - September 2002 observations

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To stop sand extraction from the sand dunes Sand extraction has stopped. immediately.

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To ensure that sand extraction is controlled effectively No information. and illegal extraction is punished.

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To rehabilitate damaged areas of the sand dunes.

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To make a full assessment of the loss and damage to Sand extraction has stopped. No sand dunes through sand extraction and agricultural further agricultural encroachment encroachment. but agricultural chemicals from along the River Esen continue to impact on the area.

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To consider closure of the road to Çayağzõ to all traffic Barriers have been installed, with no access to vehicles. at night (install barriers).

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To encourage participation of local authorities and Sand extraction has stopped. local people in the control of illegal sand extraction activities.

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To prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment No apparent action.

(EIA) on the extraction of shingle from the river bed.

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To prepare a management plan for the extraction of No apparent action. shingle from the bed of Eşen Çayõ, taking into account the need for the conservation of the unique river landscape.

No action taken.

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3. Waste disposal – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To immediately stop garbage disposal within the Dumping operation has been borders of the SPA. moved to Dalamut/Gavdir out of the ASPA area.

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To remove all solid waste from the sand dunes and to Solid waste has been removed for dispose of it in an ecologically sound manner. recycling. No information on recycling process.

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To rehabilitate the sand dunes once the garbage has Garbage has been removed, but been removed. no dune rehabilitation.

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To apply the ”polluter pays” principle to the costs of the No action taken. removal and ecologically sound disposal of the garbage.

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To co-operate with local authorities in order to avoid Rubbish tip relocated outside the any future garbage disposal in the SPA. ASPA area.

4. Beach pollution – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To collect litter left by tourists on the Patara village Litter is being removed regularly, beach, and to empty the litter boxes on a daily basis but by tractor driven along the during the tourist season. nesting beach.

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To collect litter from the north-western beach at least No observed information, but reports indicate no action taken. once a week during the tourist season.

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To collect the litter around Eşen Çayõ mouth on at least No action taken. a 20-day basis.

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To consider whether to initiate a deposit system for Still to be organised. plastic bottles, in particular to those sold by the kiosk on Patara Village Beach.

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To enhance efforts to combat illegal dumping of oil by No apparent action. ships along the coasts of Turkey.

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To ensure that the entire beach is cleaned of crude oil No information available. after spillage has occurred.

5. Stabilisation of sand dunes – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To re-assess the need for the stabilisation and No additional planting and some fencing has been removed. afforestation of the sand dunes to the present extent.

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To consider leaving part of the sand dunes in its No action taken. natural state, thus conserving some of the original, highly dynamic sand dunes along with their natural fauna and flora.

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To consider the replacement of alien species, in No action taken. particular Eucalyptus spp., with local, autochthonous species.

MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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6. Livestock grazing – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To assess the number of goats and cows regularly No apparent action. grazing in the sand dunes, and their impact on the natural vegetation cover.

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To monitor vegetation development under grazing No apparent action. pressure from domestic animals.

7. Illumination of the beach by artificial lights from buildings – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To immediately remove the floodlight on top of the Floodlight can no longer be seen Beyhan Hotel. from the beach.

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To avoid any additional illumination of those hotels and No additional Illumination. ASPA buildings which are visible from the beach. facility lights still shine at night.

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To avoid any new construction which may be visible No new constructions. from the beach.

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To better integrate those constructions which can be Beyhan Hotel now painted green seen from the beach, into the landscape, e.g. by to blend in with the landscape. increasing the coverage with plants, by painting the outer walls with less bright colours, etc.

8. Visitor management – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To erect a barrier and ban all vehicles from the north- Makeshift barrier still in place, but western beach. tractor still has access to collect rubbish on nesting beach.

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To strictly enforce the regulations which prohibit the Barrier erected. No entrance fee access to the entire beach at night, and to prohibit in system this year. Entry prevented. particular people from staying on the north-western beach at night.

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To mark those areas of the beach where intensive Some marker sticks were put turtle nesting occurs and to prohibit tourists from around the sites, but largely entering these areas. ineffective, some being removed.

9. Marine turtle monitoring and nest protection – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To carefully evaluate all existing information on turtle Evaluation of statistical information nesting on the Patara beach in order to assess published after September 2001. population trends and protection needs, and in order to better understand the spatial use of the beach by turtles.

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To continue monitoring marine turtle nesting with Monitoring carried out. standard methods which allow comparison with results Comparative data published in from previous years. autumn 2001.

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To consider regular relocation of turtle nests No apparent action. threatened by inundation, to be carried out by trained turtle specialists.

MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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To continue protection of turtle nests against predation Protection largely ineffective. by foxes.

10. Protection of the Nile Soft-shelled Turtle – It was recommended:

July - September 2002 observations

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To study the biology and ecology of the population, in No apparent action. order to get a better understanding of its conservation needs.

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To create artificial sand banks along the canal in order No apparent action. to provide nesting habitats.

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To immediately stop the fishing with shot guns and Attempts made, but no information explosives in the river and in the canal. regarding the success.

11. Public awareness building for environmental issues – It was recommended in 1998:

July - September 2002 observations

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To produce leaflets for visitors and other sources of information in order to raise the understanding of environmental matters in the protected area, and publicise necessary restrictions.

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To inform local people about the environmental issues A community meeting was held on th of the SPA on a regular basis, in order to enhance the 7 September 2002 in order to understanding of protection measures, and to create promote eco-tourism. pride in an unspoilt environment.

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To integrate environmental administration.

planning

12. International co-operation:

into

No leaflet on display at beach or village. A permanent information centre at beach is under discussion.

local Under discussion.

July - September 2002 observations

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To link external assistance for conservation measures Attempts are being made, but no to progress made on implementation level. success so far.

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To link external assistance to the political will of the Attempts are being made, but Government of Turkey to enforce conservation needs to be pursued. measures.

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.

MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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T-PVS/Files (2002) 14 ADDENDUM 1.

: SPA Boundary

Map of the Patara beach and SPA. The dotted lines show the borders of areas which have been protected as “archaeological sites”.

ADDENDUM 2.

S.E. end of Patara beach MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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T-PVS/Files (2002) 14 ADDENDUM 3.

D

B A

C

Photo No. 1 (April 2002): Shows a) kiosk facility, b) track ruts, c) wooden walkways across the beach and d) the rubbish collection tractor, all within the nesting area. © 2002 MEDASSET - Photo: Pamir Yilmaz

Photo No. 2 (April 2002): Warning sign should indicate clearly that it means within 20 metres from the waters edge. © 2002 MEDASSET - Photo: Pamir Yilmaz MEDASSET: Update Report and Review of Nature Conservation Measures in Patara SPA, Turkey (2002).

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