Muscat – The Environment Authority’s department in South Sharqiyah governorate launched a turtle tracking project on Wednesday to study the nesting conditions and natural habitat of sea turtles.

The project also aims to train 20 specialists on how to instal satellite tracking devices in the nature reserves of Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz in South Sharqiyah.

Aida bint Khalaf al Jabriya, marine environmental specialist of EA and head of the project, told ONA, “The satellite tracking of turtles aims to monitor the migration of sea turtles, apply best practices to protect them, study their nesting conditions and natural habitats, as well as understand their behaviour in nesting and feeding areas.”

The project includes the participation of specialists of the Department of Marine Environment Conservation, Office for Conservation Environment, Environmental Monitoring Office, environmental monitors and supervisors from the coastal governorates, and specialists from Five Oceans Environmental Services.

Sea turtles are among the most important marine creatures that characterise the sultanate’s conservation credentials. 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, which 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.

To protect turtles and raise awareness on their conservation, EA launched the second edition of the ‘Turtle Commandos’ programme in August. The programme aims to encourage youth to volunteer for environmental causes, rid beaches of fishing and plastic waste, implement workshops to find solutions to challenges that threaten turtles, educate participants about the importance of turtles and in turn transfer the knowledge to the community.

The second edition of the programme will run for six months with the participation of a group of volunteers every week from different governorates. ‘They will participate in a unique and enriching experience by protecting turtles, educating visitors and deterring violators,’ EA stated.