Avoid using lights near beaches at night during turtle nesting season: MoECC

Qatar Tribune

20-06-2025

DOHA: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has appealed to the people to avoid using lights near the beaches at night during the turtle nesting season.
These lights can disorient young turtles and cause them to lose their way to the sea, exposing them to the risks of predation or death, the ministry said in a social media post.
MoECC officially launched the 2025 Sea Turtle Nesting Season in April at Fuwairit Beach in the presence of Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie.
This initiative came as part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to protect Qatar's wildlife and preserve biodiversity - particularly endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle.
The national project, now in its third decade and implemented in collaboration with Qatar University, QatarEnergy, and several national entities, has resulted in the successful release of tens of thousands of hatchlings into their natural habitat - significantly contributing to the restoration of Qatar's marine life.
This approach aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of national priorities.
Hawksbill turtles return annually to Qatar's northern beaches - including Fuwairit, Ras Laffan, Al Ghariyah, and Al Huwailah - as well as several islands such as Umm Tais, Ras Rakan, Shura'awa, and Halul.
The nesting season runs from early April to late June, with hatchlings emerging about two months after eggs are laid.