Ras al Hadd – A green turtle has returned to its nesting site on Saih al Marai beach in Ras al Hadd, more than 15 years after it was first tagged by the Environment Authority (EA), offering fresh insights into the migratory fidelity of marine turtles in the Indian Ocean.

The turtle was initially numbered on September 7, 2010, as part of ongoing monitoring at Ras al Jinz Nature Reserve. Its return confirms the long-held understanding that sea turtles tend to nest on the same beaches where they were born, underscoring the importance of long-term tagging and tracking programmes, EA stated.

Known scientifically as Chelonia mydas, the green turtle is one of Oman’s most studied marine species and is listed globally as threatened. Its distinct olive-green shell and long migratory behaviour have drawn interest from researchers and tourists alike. These turtles are known to travel vast distances between feeding grounds and nesting sites, often returning decades later to their original beach.

The beaches of Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz are among the largest nesting grounds for green turtles in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 20,000 turtles visit these shores annually, some from the east African coastline and the Indian subcontinent. In previous years, Ras al Jinz has documented similar cases of turtles returning after long absences, including one tagged in 1991 that came back 29 years later, and another that reappeared 31 years after being recorded.

Such cases highlight the green turtle’s ability to imprint on its birthplace and navigate back to it despite the span of decades. They also demonstrate the scientific value of Oman’s turtle conservation efforts.

The EA, in collaboration with research institutions, continues its work in tagging, monitoring, and data collection to deepen understanding of turtle migration and support marine conservation policies. This sustained effort is building a vital archive that contributes to global marine biodiversity protection.

In addition to green turtles, Ras al Hadd is home to several other sea turtle species, including the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), reinforcing the area’s status as a critical habitat for marine life in the region.