Environment Authority launches second phase of turtle tracking project in Oman

Muscat: The Environment Authority has launched the second phase of the project of tracking sea turtles via satellite technology.

The project aims to enhance informational contributions to the study of the nesting conditions and natural habitat of sea turtles.

Five tracking devices have been installed in the Ras Al Jinz area to achieve this objective.

The project seeks to monitor threats facing turtle migration, reduce environmental risks, conduct surveys, study the nesting conditions and natural habitats of turtles, understand the behaviour of turtles in nesting and feeding areas, track a greater number of green turtles in Ras Al Hadd and combine local and international efforts to apply best practices to protect sea turtles.

Oman is home to five species of turtles, namely, Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherback Turtle, of which four of them make their nest on its soft white sand beaches.

Of this, the Green Turtle has one of the biggest nesting sites in Ras Al Hadd sanctuary, one of the largest nesting sites in the Indian Ocean.

“The nesting season begins in April and continues till August. Sometimes, we see 50 to 60 turtles laying their eggs in one day at Ras Al Hadd which is an internationally renowned nesting site sanctuary for the turtles,” an official said.

Rich in biodiversity, Masirah Island also provides the site of one of the two largest Loggerhead nesting populations in the world.

Tourists from all over the world throng the Masirah Island to see turtles laying their eggs in the white sandy beaches of Oman.