SurSpecialists at Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve rescued 56 stranded sea turtles and documented more than 12,000 turtle tracks along the reserve’s beaches during the first six months of 2026, highlighting the protected area’s importance as one of the sultanate’s most significant nesting sites for marine turtles.

The figures were released by the Environment Authority as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor and protect sea turtle populations during the nesting and hatching seasons.

Daily and periodic beach patrols carried out by specialists at the turtle reserve’s Environment Centre form a key component of the conservation programme. The teams monitor turtle activity, respond swiftly to emergencies and remove potential threats that could endanger the animals or their habitats.

Nizar bin Salim Al Fannah Al Araimi, Director of the Environment Department in South Sharqiyah, said the indicators reflect the success of the Environment Authority’s ‘Guardians of the Environment’ programme, which seeks to intensify field efforts to protect both hatchlings and adult sea turtles.

He said more than 10,000 nesting turtles were recorded during the first half of the year, while the number of non-nesting turtles exceeded 2,000.

Al Araimi added that the programme also focuses on strengthening partnerships with local communities and visitors and raising awareness of the importance of protecting sea turtles and their natural habitats.

He described sea turtles as a unique and irreplaceable ecological treasure that requires the combined efforts of authorities and the community to ensure their long-term survival.

The Environment Authority said it will continue implementing field monitoring and environmental awareness programmes to support biodiversity conservation and maintain the turtle reserve’s status as one of the region’s leading protected areas for marine turtle conservation.

As part of the programme, the Environment Centre, in cooperation with local fishermen and researchers, recently rescued a sea turtle trapped among rocks along the reserve’s coastline during routine field patrols.