Sea Turtles

At Red Sea Global (RSG), we are committed to the preservation and protection of marine life, with a special focus on the conservation of endangered sea turtles. Our initiatives span critical areas such as nesting site protection, rehabilitation of injured turtles, and innovative projects aimed at enhancing their natural habitats. Through strategic partnerships, community involvement, and cutting-edge conservation methods, we are working to safeguard the long-term survival of Hawksbill and Green sea turtles in our area. This page highlights the key efforts we have taken to ensure these remarkable creatures continue to thrive in their natural environment.

RSG has confirmed nesting activity for both Hawksbill and Green sea turtles on 61 islands within The Red Sea destination and AMAALA areas. Notably, we have identified Breem, Al Waqqadi, Al Numan, Ataweel, and Safayih as key nesting sites.

In 2024, a total of 294 turtle tracks were recorded within the AMAALA region. Of these, 159 were located on Al Numan Island, while the remaining 135 were discovered along approximately 65 kilometers of the AMAALA mainland coastline.

The number of nests and nesting attempts corresponds with estimated populations of nesting females at AMAALA: 35 Hawksbills and 22 Green turtles for the 2024 season; and for Al Wajh Lagoon, 254 female Hawksbills and 184 Green turtles.

Nesting activity for both Hawksbill and Green sea turtles has been confirmed on approximately 61 islands within our study area. Notably, Waqqadi and Breem Islands have emerged as preferred nesting sites.

Hawksbill sea turtles typically nest from April to August, while Green turtles have a more extended nesting season, ranging from June to November.

We estimate that roughly 290 Hawksbill and 206 Green sea turtles consistently nest within the The Red Sea and AMAALA's vicinity.

Successful beach clean-up operations have resulted in the removal of over 44 tons of debris from the critical nesting sites of Breem and Al Waqqadi Islands.

Breem Island, located in Al Wajh Lagoon, has become a critical nesting site for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. The island, a hotspot for these species, has recorded the highest number of Green turtle nests and the second-highest for Hawksbill turtles in the lagoon. However, since monitoring began in 2018, it was observed that some nesting female Green turtles occasionally wandered off the cliffs on one side of the island, leading to fatal falls or becoming stranded on their backs.

This situation posed a significant threat to these endangered turtles, prompting the need for urgent action. A project was launched to prevent such accidents by restricting turtle access to the cliffs without disturbing the natural environment. The team developed an innovative solution: gabion fence boxes filled with sand and wrapped in sustainable fabric. These barriers were strategically placed at key points based on turtle tracks identified through drone images.

As the nesting season progressed, the team's efforts proved successful. The turtle tracks that once led dangerously close to the cliffs were redirected, ensuring the turtles' safety. This success highlights the effectiveness of creative and sustainable conservation strategies on Breem Island.

Qubba (قُبة) Nesting Project – A Way to Cope with Global Warming

The Qubba (قُبة) Nesting Project is an innovative pilot initiative aimed at improving the survival rates of marine turtle hatchlings and promoting a more balanced sex ratio within the population. The primary goal of the project is to reduce the temperature inside turtle egg chambers by shading the nests, which can help increase the production of male turtles – a crucial factor given the temperature-dependent sex determination in marine turtles. Additionally, the project seeks to decrease hatchling mortality.

The Qubbas used for shading were handmade by local women from the Umluj locality, using artisanal techniques traditionally employed in making fishing gear in Saudi Arabia. By integrating these time-honored methods and involving the local community, the project not only addresses the conservation needs of marine turtles but also empowers local women and preserves cultural craftsmanship.

Several of the turtles rehabilitated by our team have been satellite-tagged to track their progress following rehabilitation. We work with researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to monitor their movements and survivorship. So far, all turtles have remained in good condition throughout the tracking period.

Tagging data shows that foraging Hawksbill turtles have relatively small home ranges. During the nesting season, they stay close to their nesting beach of choice.

Successful Rehabilitation of Hawksbill Turtles with Floating Syndrome

Since 2021, a total of nine Hawksbill turtles exhibiting floating syndrome have been successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and reintroduced into their natural habitat in Al Wajh Lagoon. This initiative has demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing the unique medical needs of this species.

In 2024, three such cases were handled in partnership with the esteemed Fakieh Aquarium, SHAMS, the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, and KAUST. This collaboration underscores the importance of strong partnerships between government agencies, research institutions, and private organizations in advancing marine conservation efforts.

One of the most significant outcomes of this initiative has been the establishment of a robust RSG volunteers and stakeholders' response network. This network ensures that stranded or injured turtles receive prompt attention and care, maximizing their chances of survival and successful rehabilitation.