Marine Life

The most threatened species in the Mediterranean Sea

Written by Scuba Turtles   |   31 March 2023

Although the Mediterranean Sea is an orchard ecosystem with about 7% of the world’s fish species and the world’s second largest biodiversity, the number of threatened species is constantly increasing. In accordance with Maritime Crimes “More than 8% of Mediterranean fish species are affected”.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature have developed a list of endangered species. The Mediterranean Red List is managed by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. Nearly 700 scientists from across the region have contributed to the Mediterranean Red List of Species.

This Red List points that there are 14 species critically endangered. Let us show you some of them.

1. Sharks

Six shark species are on the Red List, making them one of the most threatened. Annually, the region catches 1.5 million tons of fish for international trade. These activities have resulted in the destruction of reef systems and the depletion of essential fish stocks. Therefore, to protect the important role that sharks play in the Mediterranean ecosystem, drastic measures must be taken to reduce commercial fishing and prevent the destruction of their habitats.

The critically endangered list include: three different types of Angel Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Great Hammerhead and School shark. Read more on ocean conservation and shark protection in Greece here.

2. Rays

For rays, the biggest threat is also the fishing industry. Six species were red-listed between 2015 and 2020, and the population continues to decline. Two types of Eagle Rays (Common and Duckbill), Maltese Ray, Lusitanian Cownose Ray and two types of Guitarfish are now in the critical endangered category.

3. Sea Turtles

Over the past decade, sea turtles have been protected, and some have shifted from endangered to vulnerable. The Hawksbill turtle was not that lucky and is on the list of species in critical danger of extinction. A few of the biggest threats are tourism, aquaculture, and oil drilling.

If you wish to know how you could help protect this species in Greece, visit this Archelon page they need any help they can get.

4. Sturgeon

This species is known to be the offspring of earlier acipenseriform fish, which date from the early Jurassic period. Being aware of this fact, it is really sad to learn that there are four different species of sturgeon on the EC List: Ship Sturgeon, Stellate Sturgeon, Adriatic Sturgeon and Russian Sturgeon. Besides the other threats, we also encounter alteration of the natural system such as dams and other problematic diseases that have emerged over the past years.

There is a lot of work to be done to protect our oceans, and all we need to do is learn about them. We need more legislation and protected areas to recover species at risk. It is up to us to help our sea get back on its feet. If you would like to find out more about the Mediterranean Sea and its species, we have the right course for you here.

Marine Life

8 Facts you need to know about Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Written by Scuba Turtles   |   10 Aug 2022

The loggerhead sea turtle, also known as Caretta Caretta, is found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. This turtle lives most of their lives in saltwater. Only females come ashore to lay eggs.

The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate, the age of sexual maturity (within 17–33 years) plus the short lifespan of this kind of sea turtle (47–67 years), have put them on the list of Endangered Species.

Let us give you some curious facts about this turtle that inhabit the coast of the Ionian Sea, and win the space on the logo of our dive center.

1. The biggest hard-shelled turtle

You got that right, loggerhead sea turtle in the largest hard-shell sea turtle in the world. There are seven types of sea turtle, the largest being the leatherback turtle. However, leatherback turtles have a soft shell, making Caretta Caretta the largest of its kind. Despite the fact that Mediterranean loggerheads are smaller on average than other loggerhead sea turtles.

2. Under the protection of the Endangered Species

Caretta Caretta was originally listed as an endangered species in 1973. Several factors have placed this turtle on the list. Loss of nesting habitat due to holidays and human tourism patterns is the greatest threat. This in combination with turtles trapped in fishing nets or ingesting other plastics make humans the primary enemy for their survival.

Greece is the most popular nesting site along the Mediterranean, due to legislation on the protection of nesting areas, with more than 3000 nests annually. Being, Zakynthos and Kyparissia Bay, the biggest Mediterranean breeding grounds.

3. Salty Tears

Did you ever wonder how the sea turtles keep their osmotic balance? The loggerhead sea turtle has a lachrymal gland behind each eye that eliminates the excess salt gained from ingesting sea water. When they exiting the water, this secretion gives the impression that the turtle is crying.

4. Female Fights

While female aggression is unusual in marine vertebrates, it is fairly common in Caretta Caretta. The ritualized fight over feeding grounds can go from a simple threat to a full battle with different results. Make sure you stay away if you ever encounter one!

5. Too cold to swim!

If you are a big fun of movies and blanket winter days, you will understand this turtle. When the water gets too cold (13 to 15ºC), the loggerhead comes in a lethargic state. Floating in the same position for up to 7 hours, coming up to breathe for only 7 minutes, the longest dives recorded for marine vertebrates that breathe air.

6. Who is the father?

This kind of turtle has a differs way to see paternity. Females have sperm storage, where they can hold sperm from different males until ovulation. Multiple fatherhood is frequent along sea turtles, having the same hatch different fathers.

7. Baby Boom

The first reproduction of loggerhead turtles takes place between 17 and 33 years of age, with a mating period of two months. Using a mating-induced ovulation that is rarely seen outside mammals, the female fertilized the eggs. The average female will produce 4 clutches of 112 eggs each, before becoming two to three years tranquil without producing eggs.

Breeding grounds grow annually around the Ionian coast of Greece, thanks to the creation of protected areas and the support of the Conservation Organizations.

You can see baby turtles hatching on all of Messinia’s nesting beaches from July through September.

8. Tell me what you eat…

As human beings, the sea turtles are omnivorous. Their main food is sea-bottom invertebrates, but there are other curious meals on their menu. For example, the famous jellyfish, Portuguese men of war, squids, corals and even hatching turtles from their own species.

Now that you have all the information, it’s time to take a plunge and go swimming and admire these creatures by your side.