Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has announced the conclusion of the 2025 nesting season for hawksbill sea turtles in Qatar, which extended from March 31 to the end of July 2025, resulting in the release of 8,213 hatchlings into their natural habitat.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Project, launched in 2003 in collaboration with QatarEnergy and the Environmental Science Center (ESC) at Qatar University, focuses on the conservation of the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Over the past five years, the project has contributed to the release of more than 60,000 hatchlings into Qatar's natural habitat.

The current season witnessed the nesting of 219 turtles across eight main sites, including Fuwairit, Ras Rakan, Ras Laffan, Sharaoua, Umm Tais, Al Ghariya, Al Maroona, and Al Khor. Specialized environmental teams relocated the nests to Fuwairit Beach, designated as a protected turtle nesting site since 2020.

As part of increasing public awareness, the ministry conducted field trips to the turtle nesting site at Fuwairit. The aim was to highlight the importance of sea turtles and their role in maintaining ecological balance, with participation from relevant entities.

The project team, in collaboration with ESC, covered nesting sites comprehensively. Their efforts included monitoring turtles during egg-laying, taking measurements, assigning identification numbers, and relocating nests to safer areas. DNA samples were collected for genetic analysis, and tracking devices were installed to monitor the turtles' movements and habitats.

Studies were performed to identify the causes behind the death of some hatchlings. This is part of ongoing efforts to optimize the habitat and hold orientation workshops at schools, especially in northern Qatar.

Director of the MoECC's Wildlife Development Department, Khalid Jumaa Al Mohannadi, recognized the efforts made by the project's team and partners, as well as the public's role in reporting injured turtles. Assistant Director Dr. Dhafi Nasser Hidan stated that cooperation with partners is ongoing to protect this rare species in future seasons.