Muscat – Turtles are an integral part of Oman’s marine life with populations increasingly at risk from various threats, including coastal development, pollution, fishing activities and more.

Environment Society of Oman (ESO), which is engaged in monitoring sea turtles on Masirah Island, rescued a Loggerhead turtle on Thursday.

In a statement, ESO said, ‘Another sea turtle saved! Our field teams on Masirah are out every day monitoring stretches of over 80km of nesting beaches that we survey on the island. Today, the team rescued an adult Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) found over 500m from the coast because of disorientation caused by light pollution. All species of sea turtle found in Oman are endangered. This adult female will lay up to 500 eggs this season; every sea turtle saved matters.’

Oman is home to four of the seven species of turtles found in the world, including the world’s second largest population of Loggerhead sea turtles. Others include the Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle that all nest in Oman.

The Leatherback Turtle, a fifth species, can sometimes be found visiting Omani waters for feeding or whilst migrating. All of these species are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and face high risk of extinction in the wild.

ESO is raising awareness on sea turtles, one of Oman’s most beautiful and endangered animals. It is committed to tackling these threats through advocacy, community outreach and education. The society has been combating the threats through its Sea Turtle Research and Conservation project, based on Masirah Island, since 2008.