Turtles Aphrodite and Anastasia returned to sea

Two more green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Aphrodite and Anastasia, returned recently back to their natural habitat after being found injured last August and receiving extensive treatment, the Fisheries and Marine Research Department of Cyprus’ Agriculture Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The Department said that the two turtles were found injured last August, after being hit by propellers, the one in Protaras, the other in Polis Chrysochous and were taken to the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Center (CyMARC) in Meneou, Larnaca, part of which also operates as a center for the provision of First Aid, treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles.

Both Aphrodite, a young green sea turtle weighing about 14 kg and Anastasia, an adult green sea turtle weighing between 90 to 100 kg, recovered from their injuries after receiving extensive treatment for over two months.

After being tested for their ability to swim, dive and feed on their own, the two turtles were taken to a beach in Meneou on November 11, 2022, for release back into the wild, a statement by the Department said, adding that their release was “crowned with success”, since both Aphrodite and Anastasia returned, healthy, to the sea, “where they belong”.