Rising sand temperatures threaten Mediterranean sea turtle populations, scientists warn

At Iztuzu beach, a volunteer-run monitoring program overseen by marine biologist Yakup Kaska watches turtle nests throughout the night, using protective cages to keep foxes away. Recent measurements indicate sand temperatures have climbed nearly 1 °C over the past 20 years, resulting in an estimated 70-90 % of hatchlings being female and higher embryo mortality when temperatures exceed 30 °C. Ecologist Ayfer Sirin, who has studied the species extensively, says sea turtles act as rapid indicators of climate impacts on both coastal and marine ecosystems.

The findings are being highlighted at the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Turkey, where environment minister Murat Kurum emphasized the need for coordinated Mediterranean conservation. Additional threats such as fishing gear, boat propellers and plastic ingestion—affecting about 60 % of rescued turtles—compound the climate challenge.