Ministry of Environment marks World Turtle Day to protect endangered marine species

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is actively monitoring the 2026 hawksbill turtle nesting season and addressing threats to sea turtles through conservation efforts and public engagement. These actions are crucial to safeguarding endangered marine turtles, maintaining coastal ecosystem health, and supporting ongoing research into causes of turtle mortality and habitat protection.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in Qatar marked World Turtle Day on May 23 by reiterating its dedication to the conservation of sea turtles and their natural habitats as part of the country’s wider environmental protection initiatives. The ministry emphasized the critical role of marine turtles, especially endangered species, in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and balanced coastal environments.

As part of ongoing conservation efforts, field teams from the Wildlife Development Department, in collaboration with the Marine Protection and Nature Reserves departments, are actively monitoring the 2026 nesting season of hawksbill turtles. The nesting season, which began in late March, covers key coastal sites such as Fuwairit Beach, Al Ghariya Beach, Al Maroona Beach, and Ras Rakan Island.

Dr. Dhafi Heedan, assistant director of the Wildlife Development Department, reported that over 150 nesting instances have been recorded to date this season. He highlighted that female hawksbill turtles demonstrated “site fidelity,” a scientific behavior where they return repeatedly to the same nesting locations. Some females were observed laying up to 85 eggs across multiple visits, underscoring the ecological importance of these protected coastal habitats.

Dr. Heedan also pointed to abandoned fishing cages and damaged nets in the marine environment as significant direct threats to sea turtles. He urged fishermen and other sea users to adopt responsible practices, including refraining from discarding or leaving fishing gear that could endanger marine wildlife.

In a recent development, authorities discovered three deceased green turtles near Al Safliya Island. Samples were collected to determine the causes of death, aiding ongoing research and conservation efforts aimed at mitigating risks to marine turtles in their natural environment. Additionally, specialised teams responded to several reports of injured and exhausted green and hawksbill turtles, providing necessary veterinary assistance.

The Wildlife Development Department also recently conducted a training workshop for Nature Reserves Department staff. The workshop focused on scientific techniques for accurately measuring sea turtles during nesting seasons and the use of a digital system to monitor, document, and number nesting sites in the field.

The ministry reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to protecting sea turtles and called on government bodies, civil society groups, and the public to support national efforts in preserving Qatar’s marine biodiversity and natural heritage.