The sea turtle nesting season has begun in Cyprus and the first nests for this year have been identified on the beaches of Polis Chrysochous, it was announced on Friday.

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research reminds the public of the legislation and regulations for the protection of sea turtles, which on many occasions are forced to abandon the beaches and lose their eggs at sea due to human presence.

“Every year, during the summer season, adult females emerge from the sea at night on quiet, unlit beaches to lay their eggs. However, many times, due to human presence, they are forced to abandon this effort and lay their eggs in the sea, destroying them.”

The department said that “only one to two in a thousand of the hatchlings will survive to return to the beach where they were born to reproduce and, therefore, their strict protection is imperative to ensure the presence of this unique and emblematic species that our island hosts.”

The department urges the public visiting the Lara-Toxeftra protected area to comply with applicable legislation and regulations and to demonstrate appropriate environmental behaviour for the protection of sea turtles.

It reminds the public that from June 1 till September 30 it is forbidden to place umbrellas, beach beds, tents, caravans or huts on the beach, stay overnight – starting an hour before sunset – or fish.

Sailing or anchoring a vessel in the protected area up to a depth of 20 metres is prohibited from May 1 until October 31. Holders of a professional small-scale coastal fishing license are exempt from the ban.

Furthermore, driving any type of vehicle on the beach, gathering tufted ghost crabs (Ocypode cursor) – which is also protected – polluting or lighting any kind of fire is also prohibited.

The presence of species, such as the Caretta Caretta sea turtle and Chelonia Mydas green sea turtle, “is proof of the good ecological condition of our marine environment,” the department said.

The Lara-Toxeftra area will soon be cleaned by the department in the context of Life-Adapts programme in collaboration with NGO Medtracs, which is running a programme to protect sea turtles in Cyprus, and in cooperation with Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab, in the framework of Lara-Toxeftra CARE Plan.