Off the coast of Kerkennah, Tunisia, a unique initiative is giving injured loggerhead sea turtles a new lease on life. A repurposed barge now serves as the Mediterranean's first floating rehabilitation center for these endangered creatures.
The center features underwater enclosures where turtles like Besma can recover in their natural saltwater habitat. Marine biologist Hamed Mallat, leading the UN-funded project, emphasizes the importance of natural recovery environments. The barge can house up to five turtles, each in a spacious enclosure allowing them to move and feed comfortably.
The project also focuses on education. Students like Sarah Gharbi gain hands-on experience in marine conservation, learning about the threats facing sea turtles and the importance of protecting them. Loggerhead turtles, classified as endangered, face significant threats from fishing nets, with an estimated 10,000 caught annually off the Tunisian coast. Fishermen often bring injured turtles to the barge for treatment.
Equipped with a tracking device, Besma will contribute to scientific monitoring efforts, helping researchers understand migration patterns and habitat changes influenced by rising sea temperatures, overfishing, and pollution. The project also aims to raise awareness among tourists about the plight of these endangered species.