The southwestern basin of the Mediterranean Sea and, in particular, the Natura Network areas of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Balearic Islands, the Region of Murcia and the Island of Alboran constitute an important migration corridor for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

The southwestern basin of the Mediterranean Sea and, in particular, the Natura Network areas of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Balearic Islands, the Region of Murcia and the Island of Alboran constitute an important migration corridor for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

There are numerous risks for turtles in these waters, such as the existence of fisheries, maritime traffic and pollution. This project aims to develop measures to mitigate these hazards, based on the study of the movements, habitat use and sensory biology of turtles, to reduce their mortality.

Specific objectives:

• To analyze the key factors in the migration and habitat use of loggerhead turtles.
• Study the sensory biology of turtles, to develop risk mitigation measures.
• Test risk mitigation measures in fisheries.

The activities contemplated are:

1. International meeting of experts and collection of prior information.
2. Sea campaign to study the key factors that determine the migration and habitat use of the loggerhead turtle.
3. Sea campaign to study the sensory biology of the species.
4. Tested for risk mitigation measures for loggerhead turtles in traps and gillnets.
5. Preparation of a management report of the Natura 2000 Network areas in relation to these animals.
6. Dissemination actions: project blog, presentations and attendance at forums.
7. Creation of a technological development business line in existing companies, aimed at designing and manufacturing risk mitigation devices for turtles.