WELCOME TO THE NORTH CYPRUS SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF TURTLES
The Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT) was founded in the late 1980s by British expatriates Ian and Celia Bell and local philanthropist Kutlay Keço.
In 1988 a preliminary field study found nesting of green and loggerhead turtles to be significant. SPOT contacted Glasgow University and in 1992 a volunteer expedition team made a thorough survey. On the basis of this expedition, Kutlay committed to provide volunteer accommodation in Alagadi which is still used 25 years on by the Marine Turtle Conservation Project (MTCP). MTCP continues as a collaboration between SPOT, University of Exeter’s Marine Turtle Research Group and the North Cyprus Department for Environmental Protection.
Although initially established as an organisation for conserving sea turtles, today SPOT has increased its area of research and projects concering marine life. These include:
- Sea Turtles
- Monk Seals
- Fisheries
- Dolphins & Whales
- Sharks and Rays
- Bioinvasives
- Pollution
OUR RESEARCH AND PROJECT AREAS
GET INVOLVED
There are many ways to be part of our organisation. After all, any kind of contribution is a return on the protection and conservation of marine life on our island.
VOLUNTEERING
From nesting female turtles to gathering data from excavations, releasing hatchings in the form of educational public events, patrolling set beaches, and identifying and screening nests are some of what volunteers do.
SPONSORSHIP DONATION
Our conservation activities in North Cyprus are reliant on donations and sponsorship. We are always looking to increase our capacity, and we invite donations and sponsorships.
WATCHING TURTLES
The importance and value of sea turtles as tourist attractions is increasing in the world as the tourism industry seeks to enrich the traditional “sun, sea, and sand” experience. North Cyprus is no exception to this.
REPORT INJURED OR DEAD SPECIES
Each year many marine turtles wash up dead on the beaches. We make every effort to record these stranded individuals. If you find a stranded turtle in North Cyprus please report to us.
