80% of sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests in Mersin

About 80% of the sea turtle hatchlings that emerged from eggs laid in May and June at Davultepe 100th Year Nature Park in Mersin’s Mezitli district have left their nests.

Scraper SystemAugust 29, 2026, 01:24 PM

80% of sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests in Mersin

Green sea turtle hatchlings that have completed their incubation period continue to emerge from their nests and reach the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of Davultepe 100th Year Nature Park in Mersin’s Mezitli district.

The hatchlings emerging from nests built by adult sea turtles along the coast since May are being monitored under the supervision of Mahmut Ergene, a faculty member at Mersin University’s Sea Turtle Research and Application Center, and students at the center.

Most hatchlings have emerged from the nests

Mahmut Ergene said Mersin is an important area for sea turtles. Ergene said about 80% of the hatchlings from eggs laid in May and June had left their nests so far, adding that they were closely monitoring the emergence of hatchlings from the remaining nests.

Ergene said they had observed a decline at Davultepe beach this year compared with previous years. Noting that sea turtle populations can naturally increase and decrease every two or three years, Ergene said they expected the number of nests to rise in the coming years.

Experts warn visitors

Ergene stressed that people should act responsibly in areas containing sea turtle nests. Saying that the nests must not be dug up, Ergene noted that sea turtles are wild animals and must fend for themselves in nature from the moment they leave their nests.

Ergene said carrying hatchlings to the sea by hand could cause them greater harm rather than help them. He added that those wishing to support the hatchlings could remove plastic and solid waste along their route to the sea.

Monitoring and conservation efforts continue

Mersin University’s Sea Turtle Research and Application Center conducts monitoring, conservation and research activities in the city, along with public awareness initiatives. Ergene said these efforts were increasing awareness of sea turtles.

80% of sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests in Mersin

About 80% of the sea turtle hatchlings that emerged from eggs laid in May and June at Davultepe 100th Year Nature Park in Mersin’s Mezitli district have left their nests.