EWSEWS-WWF MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT

The Great Gulf Turtle Race 2011 was a huge success with our tagged turtles clocking up hundreds of kilometres across the region to be crowned furthest travelled turtle or claiming votes to be named most popular turtle. Congratulations to Speedy who romped home as the winner of the Great Gulf Turtle Race 2011, swimming 133kms further than anyone other turtle in the race! Congratulations also to Sheeva, whose steady progress each week of the race brought her into third place; pipping Journey at the very last moment. Our popularity contest saw an absolute landslide for Amal, another triumph for Speedy and a worthy third place for Otohime, who was one of the front runners in the early stages of the race. Thanks to everyone who voted!

The Great Gulf Turtle Race returns once again in 2012 and our turtle tagging team are currently gearing up for this year’s nesting season across the region. Don’t forget to check back soon to see the 2012 race line-up!

Featured Turtle: Speedy (Iran)

RANKING # 1

'Speedy' was among the first turtles we tagged in Iran this year, at a new nesting site (Nahiloo Island) in the province of Bushreir, about half way up the coast of Iran. After nesting she headed due south and it seems that she has found a foraging ground within the NW Abu Dhabi islands.

She measures a modest 67.2 cm in Curved Carapace Length but when it comes to racing it seems that she is ready to shine! Speedy won the race clocking 133 KM ahead of other contestants. Well done Speedy!