Hawksbill turtles project great success

The project for protecting the endangered hawksbill turtles has made great success as 31,586 baby turtles were released throughout 2019-2021 from the specially demarcated area of Fuwairit Beach, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said on Wednesday. DNA samples were taken from the turtles and tracking devices affixed, besides treating injuries before returning them to the sea. The 2020 season hit an unprecedented record when eggs laid in 119 nests were transferred to the protected sites on the beach and 9,416 baby turtles released into the sea by the end of the season. HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani, stressed the keenness of Qatar on the importance of biodiversity and protecting the endangered species through adopting prorgammes and plans to guarantee their protection, sustainability and growth. He also lauded the project to protect the hawksbill turtles and stressed the need to raise public awareness on the importance of maintaining the environment.