Qatar Marine Turtle Nesting Season Begins, MOECC Announces

Marine Turtle

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced the start of Qatar’s marine turtle nesting season, which will run from April 1 to August 1, 2026. The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to safeguarding endangered species and preserving rare terrestrial and marine wildlife as a national treasure for future generations.

Khalid Jumaa Al Mohannadi, Director of the Wildlife Development Department, stated to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Ministry is closely monitoring hawksbill sea turtle nests along Qatar’s northern coasts and islands. He explained that relocating nests threatened by high tides and monitoring their temperature are key measures to ensure successful hatching.

Al Mohannadi identified climate change and human activity as the greatest challenges facing the species. He noted that continuous field monitoring programs and public awareness campaigns are being implemented to address these risks and strengthen conservation efforts.

The Director also highlighted the importance of collecting DNA samples to study embryonic composition and improve protection strategies. He pointed out that these measures have led to the release of more than 60,000 hatchlings into the sea in recent years, contributing to ecological balance along Qatar’s coasts.

The hawksbill sea turtle has been classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1982. Qatar launched its protection project in 2003, making it one of the region’s leading initiatives in marine conservation.

The project covers nesting sites along northern beaches, including Ras Laffan, Al Huwailah, Al Jassasiya, Al Maroona, Fuwairit, Al Ghariyah, and Al Mafyar, as well as islands such as Umm Tais, Ras Rakan, Shraoh, and Halul.