First satellite tracking of sea turtles in Albania (Medasett 1987 Laureate)

First satellite tracking of sea turtles in Albania


The project “Monitoring and conservation of important sea turtle feeding grounds in the Patok Area of Albania, 2008-2010” launched the first sea turtle satellite tracking programme on September 12th, in Patok.
 
Guximtari (brave and courageous), Patoku (the research location) and Shpresa (hope), are the names of the three loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) carrying satellite tracking devices that were released by MEDASSET’s lead researcher Dr. Michael White and Prof. Idriz Haxhiu of Tirana University, in order to follow their migration routes during 2009-2010.

The goal is to better understand sea turtles’ foraging ecology, study their migration routes within the Mediterranean Sea and locate possible overwintering and mating areas. This knowledge will help researchers, conservationists and policy makers to take necessary decisions for sea turtle conservation, enhance regional strategies and partnerships, as well as create awareness at a regional, national and international level.

Albanian University students, local fishermen, local Biologists, members of the Patok community and tourists, attended the release. Reuters and Albanian TV Channels: Top Channel, Lezhe TV, News 24, Klan TV, Ora News, TV Shijak, TV Koha and TVSH, covered the event.
 
The project is developed by MEDASSET in close collaboration with the Albanian Herpetofauna Society and the University of Tirana, with the endorsement of the Albanian Ministry of Environment. Co-funding for 2009 was granted from UNDP’s Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme-Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) of UNEP/MAP and the British Chelonia Group. The three-year project (2008-2010) aims to contribute to sea turtle and habitat conservation, migratory routes monitoring, capacity building, environmental education and awareness-raising in Albania.
 
Visit Turtle Tracking

For more information on the project click here

Editor’s Notes

1. The three-year project “Monitoring and conservation of important sea turtle feeding grounds in the Patok Area of Albania, 2008-2010” follows MEDASSET’s ‘Rapid Assessment of important Marine Turtle habitats in the coastal area of Albania’ in 2005 (White, et al, 2006). For the 2008 research results please click here
   
2. MEDASSET- The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles, founded in 1988, is an international NGO registered as a charity and private company in the UK and as a Non Profit Organisation in Greece. MEDASSET plays an active role in the study and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats throughout the Mediterranean, through scientific research, environmental education, political lobbying and raising public awareness. The organisation has been a Partner to the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) of UNEP and a Permanent Observer-member of the Bern Convention at the Council of Europe since 1988. E-mail: medasset@medasset.org
4. Herpetofauna Albanian Society (H.A.S) was established in 2001 and is directed by Prof. Idriz Haxhiu; this society includes Professors, Doctors and specialists in Biological Sciences, biologists, biology teachers and students. Activities are related to the protection and monitoring of the environment and of different species, especially those that are endangered. The Project “Marine Turtle Conservation: Protection, public awareness and tagging” was conducted by HAS between 2002-2005. Email: idrizhaxhiu@yahoo.com
6. University of Tirana was the first University founded in Albania in 1957. The Museum of Natural Sciences (MNS) of the University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences represents the most specialized research institution of fauna diversity in Albania. Current research activity focuses on taxonomic, ecological, ethological and zoogeographical issues. MNS contribution to the conservation of the country’s biodiversity is recognized by national and international forums.
7. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration, Nature Protection Policy, Tirana, Albania. Director: Mr. Sajmir Hoxha. The Albanian government has identified and prepared four National Action Plans (NAPs) in the framework of the Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO).
8. United Nations Development Program/Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF/SGP) was established in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit. GEF/SGP provides financial and technical support to projects in developing countries that conserve and restore the natural world while enhancing well-being and livelihoods. E-mail:: arian.gace@undp.org
9. United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) aims to assist the Mediterranean countries to assess and control marine pollution, to formulate their national environment policies, to improve the ability of governments to identify better options for alternative patterns of development and to optimize the choices for allocation of resources. E-mail: thema@unepmap.gr
10. UNEP/MAP’s Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) was established by the contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its protocols, with the aim of assisting Mediterranean countries in the implementation of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas in the Mediterranean. RAC/SPA’s mission is to assist the Parties in establishing and managing specially protected areas, conducting programmes of scientific and technical research, conducting the exchange of scientific and technical information between the Parties, preparing management plans for protected areas and species, developing cooperation programmes among the Parties, and preparing educational materials designed for various groups. E-mail: atef.ouerghi@rac-spa.org
11. BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP (BCG) aims to provide chelonia keepers with the support needed to ensure that their captive animals receive quality husbandry; to raise funds from members, and from the public, to finance chelonia rescue, research and conservation projects worldwide; to discourage the importation and purchase of wild caught specimens, in favour of responsible captive breeding.