Climate change is affecting biodiversity and reshaping the Mediterranean ecosystem. In Albania, researchers increasingly see the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in coastal waters and on beaches where the species sometimes nests.
Albania has not traditionally ranked among the species’ main nesting areas. Warmer sea and sand temperatures now create more favourable conditions for reproduction. Organised monitoring began in 2005. Researchers later recorded regular turtle captures in fishing nets near the Drin River mouth and the Patok lagoons. A three-year monitoring project followed with the University of Tirana and the Albanian Herpetofauna Association.
The Patok area has shallow lagoons near the Drin River mouth, with sandy and muddy seabeds that provide food such as molluscs and crabs. Researchers consider the area an important feeding habitat. Recent nesting on several Albanian beaches also points to changes in traditional breeding areas as Mediterranean waters warm.
However, the growing presence of loggerhead turtles does not necessarily represent a positive development. Accidental capture in fishing nets, plastic pollution, uncontrolled coastal development, tourism-related disturbance and artificial light can threaten turtles and their hatchlings. Experts call for stronger monitoring, habitat protection and cooperation among institutions, fishermen, tourism operators and visitors.
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