Qatar Reports Successful Nesting of 219 Endangered Hawksbill Turtles

Visitors at Fuwairit Beach witness the release of baby hawksbill turtles as part of Qatar’s Conservation efforts

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, through its Department of Wildlife Development, has reported that 219 female Hawksbill turtles have nested along Qatar’s beaches and islands during this year’s nesting season.

These nests were identified at eight primary locations: Fuwairit, Ras Laffan, Al Ghariyah, Ras Rakan, Umm Tais, Al Maroona, Shara’awh, and Halul Island.

The Ministry highlighted the critical conservation status of the Hawksbill turtle, noting that Qatar’s northern beaches are considered some of the most vital nesting habitats for this endangered species within the Arabian Gulf.

As part of its continued efforts to protect marine life, the Ministry arranged a field trip to the Fuwairit nesting site. Around 130 participants from Qatar Museums, along with employees and families from Qatalum (Qatar Aluminium), took part in the visit.

Attendees were given the rare opportunity to witness the release of hatchling turtles into the sea. Environmental specialists shared insights into the turtle conservation program, focusing on its goals to ensure a safe and supportive environment for turtle nesting and reproduction along the northern coast of Qatar.

The initiative also serves a broader purpose of raising awareness and implementing strategies to safeguard marine biodiversity, aligning with the Ministry’s wider environmental protection efforts.