In Pics: Rare sea turtle released from fishermen's nets, returned to Gulf of Suez

CAIRO - 22 March 2020: The Central Administration for Environmental Affairs in Suez returned a rare green sea turtle to its environment in the waters of the Gulf of Suez, after having fallen into the nets of some fishermen, who sold it to a fish trader.

Director of Information and Environmental Awareness Department in Suez Intisar Hegazy said that she received a report from a volunteer regarding the presence of a green sea turtle in a fish shop in Suez on Sunday.

Ashraf Saleh, head of the Central Department for Environmental Affairsin the Canal, directed the return of the turtle to the waters of the Gulf of Suez.

 

Hegazy explained in a press statement that the fish merchant handed over the turtle after environmental officials informed him of its importance in preserving the ecological balance and protecting the fish stock.

The turtle was launched from a marine boat at the Marine Sports Club.

The director of Information Management said that the green turtle was an endangered marine organism due to fishing operations.

She stated that the Central Administration for Environmental Affairs in Suez held educational seminars during the last period to raise environmental awareness, acquainting volunteer participants with the importance of the green turtle that feeds on jellyfish. Whenever the number of turtles decreases, the jellyfish spread.