Turtle Rescue
The international SEA LIFE Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was started in 2006. The aspiration is to the help Earth, Sea and Sky (ESS) organization to build a sea turtle rescue center on the island of Zakynthos on Greece. All European SEA LIFE centers are currently fundraising for the rescue center.
In addition, the Sea Life Helsinki has acquired a special role in coordinating the project, and additional aid delivery. In 2008 the SEA LIFE aquarists designed the filter equipment, aquariums, and pipelines for the turtle rescue centre.
In August 2009, Helsinki, set off a container, which contained seven pallets donated funds, filter devices and other necessary tools for a combined value of approximately 50 000 euros. Fundraising and co-operation continues.
In summer 2010, Sea Life organized sea turtle weeks, culminating in a turtle event on the Narinkka square in Helsinki.
In autumn 2010 the SEA LIFE went on trips sponsored by the Solar Center to design and train the end Aurinkomatkat guides aware of the turtle.
- Individuals can participate in the project by purchasing sea turtle wristbands Life (2 €) or a sea turtle - the revenue is donated to the rescue center for construction and maintenance costs.
- Companies can participate in this project by making a donation, either directly or consult any other type of cooperation with the Sea Life centre.
Contact info@sealife.fi.
The project has been supported by individuals and by the following companies:
- Boknäs
- Aurinkomatkat
- European Union of Aquarium Curators
- Secit Ltd
- Varma Mutual Pension Insurance
- Helsinki Kalansavustamo
- IF Insurance Company
- Naviatech Solutions
- Sampo Bank
- Fluorotech Ltd
- Saanio & Riekkola Oy
The EES rescue center is planned to have its own information center, a small public aquarium and a turtle hospital where injured and sick turtles can be treated. In the future it will also be possible to temporarily house injured turtles. The turtle hospital is an extremely important addition, because at the moment the turtles in the need of intensive care have to be taken all the way to Glyfada, Athens.
The Loggerhead turtle is an extremely endangered sea turtle species. The most important nesting beaches of Loggerhead turtles are located on Zakynthos. Because of the increased amount of tourists, over half of these beaches are now unsuitable for turtle nesting. Besides the perishing of nesting beaches, the turtles and their babies are threatened by pollution, the seagulls of the nearby landfill, stray dogs and the increased amount of people, boats and other vehicles moving nearby the beaches.
Report on the Sea Life SOS Turtle Rescue Project