Environmentalists have announced that the
Mediterranean’s largest nesting population of loggerhead turtles is
facing extinction due to tourism. Their reports states that one of only
two marine turtle species that reproduce in the Mediterranean, would
face extinction unless the authorities took more steps to control
tourism in the region.

The Greek island of Zakynthos is home to the National
Marine Park, where between 800 and 1,100 turtles nest every summer.
Officials have been accused of failing to implement sufficient
regulations to prevent tourists from disturbing the turtles that hatch
at the height of the tourism season in August. The Worldwide Fund for
Nature monitored the park this summer and found that thousands of
tourists placed their sunbeds and umbrellas beyond authorised limits on
the beaches. Illegal bars, tavernas and parking areas also lined the
shores, disturbing the turtle settlements, according to the report.
Three years ago the Greek government was found guilty under European
Union law of failing to protect the animals. But, despite the ruling,
tourism has continued to damage the population, according to this
week’s WWF report.