The General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), has announced the discovery of the largest sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters, located at the Four Sisters Islands.
The Four Sisters Islands — Marmar, Daharb, Malatu and Jadeer — have been identified as critical nesting areas with more than 2,500 recorded turtle nests. The islands are a crucial breeding ground for endangered species in the region.
Khaled Asfahani, CEO of the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) confirmed that the Four Sisters Islands had been designated as a protected area for sea turtle species management. Saying that, “These islands are essential habitats for endangered turtle species in the Red Sea, including the green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Protecting these sites is vital for the survival of these species, given that they return to these same nesting grounds each year.”
The islands host an exceptional number of endangered green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles which consistently return to these same nesting sites each year
SHAMS is developing a comprehensive management strategy to safeguard sea turtle nesting sites along the Red Sea coast with over 180 nesting sites already identified.
The strategy also intends to promote sustainable tourism and entertainment opportunities around these protected marine ecosystems while ensuring sea turtles continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
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