Albania - medmarineturtles.com

An online meeting was held on 4 November 2021 among Albanian experts and officials, within the framework of the project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region”.

Important sea turtle populations feed and overwinter in Albania’s coastal waters, while in 2018 the first officially confirmed hatched nest was recorded.

The aim of the online meeting was to discuss the setup of an official network of experts and officials that will monitor Albania’s coasts for injured or dead sea turtles, also known as strandings. The meeting is part of project activities in Albania, which are being implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku, with funding from the MAVA Foundation.

The meeting started with opening remarks from Lobna Ben Nakhla of the UN Barcelona Convention’s Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) who noted that the development of stranding networks and harmonised data collection is a priority under the “Action Plan for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine Turtles” and welcomed Albania’s efforts towards this goal.

Elvana Ramaj of the Ministry of Tourism & Environment during her welcome speech, reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to marine turtle conservation and expressed support towards the importance of establishing a stranding network of officials and experts to monitor sea turtle strandings in the country.

Marine turtle expert Dr. Flegra Bentivegna (National Research Council, Italy) who is advising the process, presented the cases of Malta, Italy, Tunisia and France and provided guiding principles for a successful stranding network: officialisation, coordination, national coverage, harmonised protocols, shared and public data, trained and certified membership, well-equipped rehabilitation centers.

Albanian sea turtle expert, Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku presented the current monitoring in Albania and stressed the importance of establishing a National Sea Turtle Stranding Monitoring Network, which will regularly collect data on dead or injured turtles found along the Albanian coast.

The proposal on a National Sea Turtle Stranding Monitoring Network was presented in detail and  discussed among the meeting participants, which included Ermal Halim of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Antonela Cobanaj and Migena Bici of the National Agency for Protected Areas and representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas: Shkodra (Agim Dardha), Lezhe, Durrës (Dude Kau, Halim Ҫelmanaj); Vlorë (Artion Seferi, Tatjana Mehillaj, Endora Celohoxhaj); Fier (Ervin Allushi). Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Bego of the University of Tirana, Assoc. Prof. Dr Hajdar  Kicaj and Bledar Pepa of the University of Vlora, representatives of the UNDP (Labrina Bedinaj) and of NGOs “Social Education & Environment Protection”(Simo Ribaj), “Herpetofauna Albanian Society” (Enea Dama), Institute of Nature Conservation in Albania (Genti Kromidha) and “Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania” (Sabina Cano) participated in the discussions and provided valuable input and suggestions, while reaffirming their support towards the creation of an official network.

The meeting agreed to further deliberate on the proposal which provides the structure, procedures, requirements, roles and protocols to be followed, as well as an action plan for materializing the network in the long-term. Once the consultation process is completed the proposal will be delivered to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. MEDASSET called on all interested individuals and organizations to communicate their willingness to support and participate in the network.  

MEDASSET and Dr. Sacdanaku warmly thanked all participants and especially the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the National Agency for Protected Areas and the representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas for their keen interest and collaboration . 

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/80147709@N07/albums/72157720117693303>

Contact: Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku, Zoologist (Herpetologist), Research Center of Flora and Fauna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Project: www.medmarineturtles.org  and  www.medasset.org/portfolio-item/conservation-of-marine-turtles-in-the-mediterranean-region

Notes to Editors:

[1] The project “Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region”(2017-2022( is funded by the MAVA Foundation and is implemented in thirteen Mediterranean countries (Greece, Turkey, Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Lebanon, Cyprus, Tunisia, Italy, Spain and France) by nine direct partners: ARCHELON , DEKAMER, National Marine Park of Zakynthos , MEDASSET, MedPAN,  SPA/RAC , WWF Greece, WWF North Africa, WWF Turkey.  

[2] Three of the seven species of sea turtles are found in the Mediterranean. The loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest here, and the huge leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is an occasional visitor. All species are included in the IUCN Red list of threatened species. Sea turtles are cold-blooded, air breathing, egg laying reptiles that spend their mysterious lives at sea but return each summer to the same area they were born to deposit their eggs in the sand. They take 20-30 years to mature and may live up to 100 years. Despite having travelled the world's seas since the age of the Dinosaurs, their survival is threatened due to coastal development, pollution, collision with vessels, fisheries and climate change. Each summer sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches in the east and south regions of the Mediterranean basin (mainly Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, etc).

[3] With roots back to 1983, MEDASSET was founded in 1988 in the UK and in 1993 in Greece. It is an international NGO registered as a not-for 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, advocacy and awareness raising. The organisation is a partner to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) and a Permanent Observer-Member to the Bern Convention, Council of Europe, since 1988.

MEDASSET has implemented the “Rapid Assessment Survey of important marine turtle and monk seal habitats in the coastal area of Albania” in 2005 and the project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” during 2008-2010. Subsequently, in 2011, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, MEDASSET prepared “Management Recommendations for Drini Bay” and the “Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania” which was adopted by the Minister of Environment in 2012.

June 16^th is dedicated to the importance of sea turtles around the world. MEDASSET pays tribute to these emblematic species for marine ecosystems and biodiversity by launching its field surveys in Albania and the Greek North Aegean coasts. Surveys are taking place in the framework of the Mediterranean project “Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region” that is funded by the MAVA Foundation.

Research in Greece aims to fill a knowledge gap concerning beach suitability for sea turtle nesting along the North Aegean coasts and will investigate the possible shift in the range of sea turtles in response to climatic change. To collect necessary data, the research team is using traditional methods together with a research drone with specialised software, as well as water and sand temperature loggers. Surveyors shall cover mainland coasts from Thessaly to Alexandroupoli, as well as the North Aegean islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Thasos, Samothrace, Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios and Agios Eftratios). The survey is building on MEDASSET’s past survey that was implemented in the same  area in 1991 by Dr. Max Kasparek.

In Albania, MEDASSET’s long-term work continues, with the valuable collaboration of Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku and of the Albanian environmental authorities. This year our research efforts concentrate on the sea turtle populations in Drini Bay that was previously established as a foraging and overwintering marine area in the Mediterranean thanks to systematic research by MEDASSET.  The year-round survey focuses on monitoring sea turtle behaviour in the marine area through a drone survey and collection of samples in order to genetically identify the populations present in Drini Bay. Additionally, MEDASSET will carry out capacity building activities for protected area staff and assist in the set up of an official national stranding monitoring network.

The EU 2030 Biodiversity strategy sets specific goals for the conservation of the species and the ecosystems. The rise of the pandemic proves the need for increased efforts in preserving Europe’s natural heritage. The ecological role of sea turtles for marine ecosystems and the need for efficient conservation, elevates the importance of survey efforts, leading to efficient protection.

Photo material from North Aegean Survey:  //www.flickr.com/photos/80147709@N07/albums/72157719427165857">www.flickr.com/photos/80147709@N07/albums/72157719427165857

Photo Material from Albania Survey: //www.flickr.com/photos/80147709@N07/albums/72157719420361341">www.flickr.com/photos/80147709@N07/albums/72157719420361341

Read more about the Project “Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region”: www.medasset.org/portfolio-item/conservation-of-marine-turtles-in-the-mediterranean-region

Notes to Editors:

 [1] The project “Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region” is funded by the MAVA Foundation and is implemented in thirteen Mediterranean countries (Greece, Turkey, Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Lebanon, Cyprus, Tunisia, Italy, Spain and France) by nine direct partners: ARCHELON , DEKAMER, National Marine Park of Zakynthos , MEDASSET, MedPAN,  SPA/RAC , WWF Greece, WWF Tunisia, WWF Turkey. The project activities started in June 2017 and will continue until October 2022.

[2] For more information on the results of the first phase of the project in Albania: www. medmarineturtles.org/news/52-press-release-officials-and-experts-meet-to-discuss-research-results-on-sea-turtle-nesting-in-albania

[3] MEDASSET implemented the “Marine Turtles in Greece: Results of a survey of potential nesting beaches in the Northern Aegean Sea” in 1991 as requested by ECC, with Dr. Max Kasparek as the lead surveyor.

Subsequently, MEDASSET undertook the project “Increasing knowledge on migration routes and foraging sites in the Northern Aegean Sea (Greece) “(2019-2020) with I. Giovos and N. Doumpas, as part of the project “Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region’. The current survey on sporadic nesting continues research work in North Aegean coasts under the same framework.

[4] With roots back to 1983, MEDASSET was founded in 1988 in the UK and in 1993 in Greece. It is an international NGO registered as a not-for 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, advocacy and awareness raising. The organisation is a partner to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) and a Permanent Observer-Member to the Bern Convention, Council of Europe, since 1988.

An online meeting was held on 1 April 2021 among Albanian experts and officials, within the framework of the regional project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region”. The meeting marked the launch of the second phase of project activities in Albania, which is being implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku, with funding from the MAVA Foundation.¹

Following a successful first phase of the project in 2018-2019,¹ activities shall continue in 2021-2022 with research, training and conservation. “Through a one-year aerial drone survey in Drini Bay we will map the distribution of the sea turtle population that is using the area for feeding and development and we will continue to collect isotope and genetic samples to improve our understanding of the populations present in Albanian waters”, explained Vicky Rae, MEDASSET’s Scientific Officer.

Although it is known that important sea turtle populations feed and overwinter in Albania’s coastal waters,³ it was only in 2018 that the first officially confirmed hatched nest was recorded at Divjaka beach. “We will continue to offer training activities for the staff of the protected areas on the identification and management of sporadic nesting” added Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku.  To further enhance collaboration among key actors, a local network among local authorities and stakeholders will be organized. This will be accompanied by the development of “citizen science” training materials, to achieve increased identification of sea turtle nesting, sightings, strandings, etc.

The project will also assist Albania to address a key priority that has been acknowledged at a Mediterranean level as an important method to fill knowledge gaps and inform conservation strategies: the establishment of a National sea turtle stranding monitoring network.  Lastly, progress made to implement the National Action Plan on sea turtle conservation (adopted in 2012) will be assessed and a revised roadmap to accomplish conservation objectives will be produced.

The activities were discussed among the meeting participants, which included Antonela Cobanaj and Migena Bici of the National Agency for Protected Areas and representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas: Lezhe (Toni Kreshnik) Durrës (Dude Kau); Vlorë (Nexhip Hysolakoj, Artion Seferi, Tatjana Mehillaj); Fier (Adrian Koci, Elton Daka, Elton Daka, Enea Malaj, Ervin Allushi). The meeting was also followed by Dr. Ferdinand Bego of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Tirana, and representatives of the UNDP and of NGOs “Social Education & Environment Protection”, “Herpetofauna Albanian Society” and “Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania”.

MEDASSET⁴ and Dr. Sacdanaku warmly thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the National Agency for Protected Areas and the representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas for their collaboration, which was strengthened and renewed during the meeting, for the implementation of the project in 2021-2022. 

Contact:

Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku, lead researcher, Tel.: 00355 68 41 03 150

Liza Boura, Programmes Officer, MEDASSET, Tel.: +30 210 3613572, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskUmPQyq

Project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzqefgxrSWc&t=1s 

Notes to Editors:

 [1] The project activities in Albania are implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku, within the framework of the regional project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region” which is funded by the MAVA Foundation and is being implemented by ARCHELON, DEKAMER, MEDASSET, MedPAN, NMPZ, RAC/SPA (leader), WWF Greece, WWF Turkey. 

[2] For more information on the results of the first phase of the project in Albania: www. medmarineturtles.org/news/52-press-release-officials-and-experts-meet-to-discuss-research-results-on-sea-turtle-nesting-in-albania

[3] Three of the seven species of sea turtles are found in the Mediterranean. The loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest here, and the huge leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is an occasional visitor. All species are included in the IUCN Red list of threatened species. Sea turtles are cold-blooded, air breathing, egg laying reptiles that spend their mysterious lives at sea but return each summer to the same area they were born to deposit their eggs in the sand. They take 20-30 years to mature and may live up to 100 years. Despite having travelled the world's seas since the age of the Dinosaurs, their survival is threatened due to coastal development, pollution, collision with vessels, fisheries and climate change. Each summer sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches in the east and south regions of the Mediterranean basin (mainly Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, etc). In the past years, a small number of sea turtle nests have been reported in Italy, Spain and other locations where nesting has not usually occurred in the past. This so-called “sporadic” nesting is of high scientific and conservation interest as it may indicate a possible shift in the nesting range of sea turtles towards the west and northern areas of the Mediterranean. Sea turtles are a highly migratory species and they may be responding to climatic changes by using new habitats to nest, feed and overwinter.

[4] With roots back to 1983, MEDASSET was founded in 1988 in the UK and in 1993 in Greece. It is an international NGO registered as a not-for 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, advocacy and awareness raising. The organisation is a partner to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) and a Permanent Observer-Member to the Bern Convention, Council of Europe, since 1988.

MEDASSET has implemented the “Rapid Assessment Survey of important marine turtle and monk seal habitats in the coastal area of Albania” in 2005 and the project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” during 2008-2010. Subsequently, in 2011, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, MEDASSET prepared “Management Recommendations for Drini Bay” and the “Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania” which was adopted by the Minister of Environment in 2012.

2 October 2020

An online meeting was held on 1 October 2020 within the framework of the research project “Exploration of potential nesting sites & design of conservation measures for sporadic nesting in Albania (2018-2019)” that is implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku. Although it is known that important sea turtle populations feed and overwinter in Albania’s coastal waters, it was only in 2018 that the first officially confirmed hatched nest was recorded at Divjaka beach. The research project aims to address the potential and sporadic nesting that may occur in Albania, especially in light of climate change.

The meeting was opened by Mr. Julien Semelin of the MAVA Foundation which is funding the activities in Albania as part of the regional project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region”. The regional project was introduced by the project leader, Ms. Lobna Ben Nakhla of the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) of the UN Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP).

Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku and Vicky Rae, MEDASSET’s Scientific Officer, presented the Albanian project results. All sandy beaches were assessed to evaluate their suitability for supporting sea turtle nesting by combing two different methodologies: beach transects and drone images. “Forty-five sites were assessed as exhibiting high and medium suitability for nesting” Dr. Sacdanaku explained. “Preliminary analysis of data, highlight the importance of sea turtle nests laid in Albania as they contribute to the male population of sea turtles in the Mediterranean” added Ms Rae, referring to the sand temperature data that was collected on 7 beaches, as part of a Mediterranean study coordinated by DEKAMER to assess incubation temperatures and to infer hatchling sex ratios.

Ms Tatjana Mehillaj of Vlore Regional Agency of Protected Area (RAPA) presented the efforts undertaken for sea turtle conservation and the potential threats: “Shipping activity, touristic development, aquacultures, fisheries and marine litter impose pressure on sea turtles”, noted Ms Mehillaj. Mr. Ervin Allushi of the RAPA of Fier highlighted the sea turtle conservation activities taking place since 2015, noting that  “Monitoring activities include beach surveys and drone monitoring of the very important Divjaka beach”.

Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska, DEKAMER Chairman, presented the route of a satellite-tracked turtle that reached the Albanian coasts and explained how satellite tracking and genetic samples from sea turtles have helped link populations that are present in Albania with the populations present in Turkey, Greece, etc. “For the first time, thanks to MAVA foundation, all partners use the same methodology to collect genetic samples, isotope samples and also sand and temperature data” explained Prof. Dr. Kaska.

Ms. Eleana Touloupaki, presented the continuation of the project activities such as field work, including drone surveys, and local capacity building through technical trainings. “With the kind support of the MAVA Foundation in 2021-2022 and with the precious collaboration of Albanian authorities and experts, our long term work in Albania continues and offers a great opportunity for better understanding of conservation issues such as climate change” remarked Ms Touloupaki.

The research results and the future activities were discussed by meeting participants, which included Ms. Elvana Ramaj of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Antonela Cobanaj of the National Agency for Protected Areas and representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas: Durrës (Besard Zeneli); Vlorë (Nexhip Hysolakoj, Artion Seferi, Valentina Fejzo); Fier (Enea Malaj). The meeting was also followed by Ms. Sabina Çano of the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania.

MEDASSET and Dr. Sacdanaku thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the National Agency for Protected Areas and the representatives of the Regional Agencies of Protected Areas for their collaboration, which was strengthened and renewed during the meeting, for the implementation of the project in 2021-2022.

Please find the PR in Albanian here 

Project photos: www.flickr.com/photos/80147709@N07/albums/72157680266973168

Project website: www.medmarineturtles.org

Project video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzqefgxrSWc&t=6s

Contact:

Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku, lead researcher, Tel.: +: 00355 68 41 03 150

Liza Boura, Programmes Officer, MEDASSET, Tel.: +30 210 3613572, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notes to Editors:

[1] Three of the seven species of sea turtles are found in the Mediterranean. The loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest here, and the huge leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is an occasional visitor. All species are included in the IUCN Red list of threatened species. Sea turtles are cold-blooded, air breathing, egg laying reptiles that spend their mysterious lives at sea but return each summer to the same area they were born to deposit their eggs in the sand. They take 20-30 years to mature and may live up to 100 years. Despite having travelled the world's seas since the age of the Dinosaurs, their survival is threatened due to coastal development, pollution, collision with vessels, fisheries and climate change. Each summer sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches in the east and south regions of the Mediterranean basin (mainly Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, etc). In the past years, a small number of sea turtle nests have been reported in Italy, Spain and other locations where nesting has not usually occurred in the past. This so-called “sporadic” nesting is of high scientific and conservation interest as it may indicate a possible shift in the nesting range of sea turtles towards the west and northern areas of the Mediterranean. Sea turtles are a highly migratory species and they may be responding to climatic changes by using new habitats to nest, feed and overwinter.

[2] With roots back to 1983, MEDASSET was founded in 1988 in the UK and in 1993 in Greece. It is an international NGO registered as a not-for 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, advocacy and awareness raising. The organisation is a partner to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) and a Permanent Observer-Member to the Bern Convention, Council of Europe, since 1988.

MEDASSET has implemented the “Rapid Assessment Survey of important marine turtle and monk seal habitats in the coastal area of Albania” in 2005 and the project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania” during 2008-2010. Subsequently, in 2011, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, MEDASSET prepared “Management Recommendations for Drini Bay” and the “Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania” which was adopted by the Minister of Environment in 2012.

[3] The project “Exploration of potential nesting sites & design of conservation measures for sporadic nesting in Albania “(2018-2019) is implemented by MEDASSET in collaboration with Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku. The project is funded by the MAVA Foundation within the framework of the regional project “Conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Region” which is being implemented by ARCHELON, DEKAMER, MEDASSET, MedPAN, NMPZ, RAC/SPA (leader), WWF Greece, WWF Turkey.