Illegal fishing along the Gabès coastline, from El Hicha to Oudhref towards Oued Chaaba in Zarat, has caused the death of more than 450 sea turtles over the last three months.
President of the Association for the Protection of Southern Tunisian Wetlands Naoufel Hamouda pointed out that drowning is the main reason why sea turtles die, as a result of illegal night fishing, which coincides with the turtle egg-laying season.
Hamouda recalled that the Association for the Protection of Southern Tunisian Wetlands was able to save 8 sea turtles in 2022, including a rare one.
He also urged the relevant authorities to combat illegal fishing, which is damaging the marine ecosystem.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse