Muscat – Should access to turtle nesting sites be more strictly controlled during the nesting season to protect the turtles? Here’s what Muscat Daily readers said –

Dr Santhanakrishnan Sarangapani, Public sector employee

Yes, access to turtle nesting sites should be more strictly controlled during the nesting season. This would help reduce human disturbance and give turtles a safer environment to lay eggs and for hatchlings to reach the sea.

Khalid al Jabri, Private sector employee

Yes, I believe access should be more strictly controlled during the nesting season. These turtles come to the same beach to lay their eggs, and even the smallest human disturbance can affect their behaviour. Visitors should be able to see them, but only under clear rules, with trained guides and a safe distance maintained. If visitors cause any sort of disturbance intentionally, they must be barred from entry.

Mohammad al Abri, Businessman

We have lived alongside these turtles for generations, so protecting them is part of protecting our own heritage. Tourists are welcome, but they should understand that the beach is not a place to touch or play with the turtles. During nesting season, I think access should be controlled and violations should carry serious penalties.

Hamood al Balushi, Guide

I think stronger restrictions are necessary, especially because social media has changed the way some people behave around wildlife. Some visitors may want a photograph or video without realising the damage they are causing. There should be clear instructions before people enter the nesting areas and stronger action against anyone who ignores rules. I support fines and jail too.

Trupti Pawar, Housewife

Yes, access to turtle nesting sites should be more strictly controlled during the nesting season. Turtles need quiet, dark and safe beaches to lay their eggs. Visitors should stay away from nesting areas. I completely support stricter controls. As visitors, we should remember that we are entering the turtles’ natural habitat, not a tourist attraction where we can interact with them. Seeing a turtle from a distance is already a beautiful experience. We should not touch, chase or pose with it for a photograph.

Santosh Rajeev, Tourist

There needs to be a balance between tourism and conservation, but during the nesting season conservation should come first. Oman has something very special with these turtle beaches. Better visitor education, limited access and proper supervision can allow people to experience turtles without disturbing their natural behaviour.

Sadia Shams, Private sector employee
Yes, absolutely because they are disturbed by tourists. Very recently we saw the news in which tourists were sitting on the back of turtles.


John Louis Blyth, Private sector employee
Do not let the actions of two ruin the experience for the vast majority of responsible people. I remember as a small boy watching egg laying at Ras al Hadd in the early 1980s and will never forget it. The biggest threat to nesting turtles caused by humans is the installation of light masts on beaches that have never been illuminated.

batool.kukar (Instagram)

Absolutely. And tour operators should be aware of their actions. Guidelines are also needed to ensure that all guests are aware of what they have to do to ensure the safety of the turtles.