Sea Turtles in the Aegean Sea

Conserving marine megafauna remains a challenging task in light of the gaps in knowledge concerning their distribution and their exposure to human pressures. This is particularly evident in the case of charismatic sea turtles, which traverse a number of marine and terrestrial habitats throughout their life history. Here, we offer a synthesis of current knowledge demonstrating that beyond the seven established primary nesting sites, loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) have been sporadically reported in more than 25 locations across the Aegean Sea. This finding is likely to reflect a tendency of both species to shift their distribution ranges as a means to ensure favorable conditions amidst the changing climate. We also present evidence of marine habitat utilization in the region, underscoring the ecological importance of the Aegean Sea as a year-round foraging and developmental habitat for sea turtles. Nonetheless, the spatial overlap of human-induced pressures with sea turtle habitats requires focused attention from both the scientific and conservation communities. This integrative article provides the most current and comprehensive information on sea turtles in the Aegean Sea, establishing a critical baseline for their conservation and effective management under ongoing and future challenges.