6,146 baby turtles successfully returned to the sea in Oman

Volunteer teams in Oman returned 6,146 baby turtles to the sea during an August conservation programme in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. They also treated or returned 264 stranded adult turtles to the water.

The Environment Protectors programme, run by the Directorate of Environment, involved 149 volunteers across five teams. Its activities focused on protecting sea turtles during the egg-hatching period and raising awareness among visitors as hatchlings emerged and moved toward the sea.

Teams cleaned hidden beaches across 700 metres, Al Duffah Beach across one kilometre and Ras Al Hadd Beach across three kilometres. The work aimed to remove waste that could endanger turtles and other wildlife.

The programme’s awareness efforts reached 12,298 visitors, including 2,113 people from Gulf countries and 1,000 foreign visitors. Teams also monitored 4,392 vehicles to encourage compliance with environmental rules in nesting areas and on nearby beaches.

The programme seeks to involve local communities in wildlife conservation and support biodiversity and the sustainability of Oman’s coastal ecosystems.