Within the activities of the Marine Turtle Rescue Center, we collect the data on dead sea turtles as well. Each dead individual is a source of data useful in monitoring of their presence and movement in the Adriatic Sea. In addition to recording of morphometric data such as the curved carapace length and curved carapace width, identification of species and sex determination (when it’s possible), we pay special attention to whether the found sea turtle is marked with tags on the flippers. If the turtle was marked during nesting, the data from the tag can indicate the nest of origin for certain individual. Furthermore, by analyzing the collected morphometric data, it is possible to get an insight into the age structure of the population. Depending on the state of preservation of the carcass, for certain number of individuals it is also possible to assume the probable cause of injuries (swallowed hook, collision with boat, entanglement in the fishing net or in marine litter…).

The northern and central Adriatic are known as one of the two most important foraging and wintering grounds for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. During the last two months, we have been informed about a total of 15 cases of dead sea turtles in the area of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago. All individuals were identified as loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), which is also the most common of the three species of sea turtles inhabiting the Adriatic.

We’re thankful to all citizens who are sending us information about finding of dead or injured individuals and we’re inviting them to continue reporting their observations to us via email info@plavi-svijet.org, our Facebook profile (fb.com/BlueWorldInstitute) or WhatsApp/Viber or call on the phone number +385 91 567 0938. You can also report your observations to us via the eTurtle application for mobile phones developed as part of the LIFE Euroturtles project or on the website https://www.euroturtles.eu/web-app/#/.

According to the Protocol for notification and action in case of found dead, sick or injured strictly protected marine animals (marine mammals, sea turtles and cartilaginous fish), it is also necessary to inform the county center 112 which takes over the organization of taking care about dead, sick or injured strictly protected marine animals through the competent institutions.