15.04.2025 15:32
The leatherback sea turtle, which is facing the threat of extinction, was found dead on the shore in the Karasu district of Sakarya. Prof. Dr. Ali Uzun stated that this rare creature was seen in the Black Sea for the first time, saying, "They can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. I wonder why it died."
Known as one of the largest reptiles in the world, the leatherback sea turtle, seen in the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean, was found dead on the beach in the İhsaniye neighborhood of Karasu district in Sakarya. This animal, which was first seen in the Istanbul Strait in recent years, can reach a length of 3 meters and a weight of up to 900 kilograms. The leatherback sea turtle, found dead by citizens on the beach, is also known as the "champion turtle" for diving the deepest in the oceans and covering the longest distances. The size of the turtle, which is at risk of extinction, astonished those who saw it.
"WHAT'S INTERESTING IS ITS PASSAGE TO THE BLACK SEA FROM MARMARA" Prof. Dr. Ali Uzun, a Nature Conservation and Wildlife Expert at Sakarya University (SAU) Biology Department, stated in an interview with İhlas News Agency (IHA) that the leatherback sea turtle, which lives in tropical and subtropical climates, was first found dead in Antalya in 1985 according to research. Uzun said, "There is no information about its previous sightings, but it is likely that this species is one of those existing in the Mediterranean. Therefore, I don't find it very interesting that it is seen along our coasts. It is a rare species for Turkey, but what is interesting is its passage to the Black Sea from Marmara," he said.
"IT HAS COME TO MARMARA BY FOLLOWING ITS FOOD" Ali Uzun, who stated that the rarely seen turtle was first observed in the Black Sea, said, "We have seen the sea turtle, we will see it, and there are records. What is noteworthy here is its spread to the north. This is influenced by temperature, changes in the salinity of the seawater, and subsequently, the main food of this species, jellyfish, which is one of the most important indicators of pollution in the seas. Therefore, this turtle may have followed such a swarm. The issue of mucilage is increasing the presence of jellyfish in Marmara, which is rising in terms of pollution. I think this turtle has come to the Sea of Marmara by following its food. I believe this species is the one that was found dead on the beach in Karasu, which was seen in the Istanbul Strait in 2024. The first record in the Black Sea and the possibility of it being seen again are among the possibilities. In the future, although rare, we may have the chance to see this species either caught in fishermen's nets or washed ashore," he said.
"I'M VERY CURIOUS ABOUT THE CAUSE OF DEATH" Uzun mentioned that one of the reasons for the turtle seen in the Mediterranean extending to the Black Sea could be jellyfish, saying, "I am very curious about the cause of death. The main food of this species is jellyfish, which it loves to eat. They can mistakenly eat plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish. I don't know if it couldn't withstand the salinity and low temperature of the Black Sea biologically and ecologically, if it died of old age, or if it ate a plastic bag thinking it was a jellyfish, but I am curious about the reason for its death," he said.
Prof. Dr. Ali Uzun stated that Turkey is at the intersection point of the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe, saying, "The Mediterranean is a remnant of the Tethys Sea that existed when the continents were together. For this reason, it is a very valuable sea. We are at the intersection point of three different continents and three different phytogeographic regions. Therefore, with the seas and oceans, we are always connected through the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Gibraltar. Due to our connections both by sea and land, Turkey is a country where we frequently encounter incidental species. I say this because the leatherback sea turtle should now be considered a rare migratory species unique to Turkey. Because it is something incidental. There has been a record, an observation since 1985. Its sighting above Muğla carries significant scientific value," he expressed.