This morning, December 9, 2024, my friend Ayelet found a lifeless brown sea turtle, with its body caught in a fishing net, in Bat Galim Reef. She sent me pictures, from which I recognized that it was the well-known and beloved Tseva, Bertha. The identification was made through its unique cheek patterns, since each turtle has its own unique markings.
Bertha was a calm and sweet turtle who was often accompanied by a stickleback. She could be found right near the beach, even only about 50 meters away.
We met her dozens of times, and she became a significant part of the turtle community in the Reef. Many of the divers in the area knew her, and she is documented in photos and videos by most of my friends who dive here.
My friend Henk was the one who gave her the name Berta, and he also explained why he chose this name:
"Berta is a typical Dutch name, which in the past could also be used for girls and is now sometimes used for cows. Since Berta was big, moved slowly and did things at her own pace, it seemed to me a perfect name for her."
In our reef there is a huge turtle community that is its home and it is our duty to protect it!
Unfortunately, just three weeks ago I came across another dead brown sea lobster, right near the casino. It was a turtle that we didn't even have time to give it a name, and a few days earlier I had seen it swimming in the reef. It's so sad, especially when it's our fault. The turtles are in danger of extinction anyway, and every such case only worsens their situation.
The deadly web is still there
The net that was wrapped around Beretta is still in the water and is a real danger. It is a network that stretches like a wall, spread over hundreds of meters, from the bottom to the surface of the water. I go through these nets every day to check that none of my friends are caught in them. Unfortunately, I wasn't there in time to save Bertha.
A marine reserve at Bat Galim beach will protect biodiversity
There is something to do, it's in our hands!
A marine reserve will protect all members here, I hope this case will speed up all the bureaucracy for the sake of the wild animals who have no more time, data in constant danger of life, I wish we learn from Berta's case already and that there will be no more victims.
The sad pictures on my Facebook page TAL MERMAID
I decided to upload some videos from meetings with her here in memory of her.
To the entire sea turtle community at our reef >>> Sea turtle community of Bat Galim
The municipality of Haifa has the option to declare the waters east of Shekmona up to the Bat Galim airstrip as a water sports area - swimming/diving/surfing and prohibit the entry of motorized vessels there. Like in Eilat.
It is not possible for a wild animal to be protected and in danger of extinction - as wonderful as a sea turtle will die because of fishing - which is actually legal in such a vicious way and goes against every goal of the residents of Haifa.
We must preserve this special area of ecological and touristic value for Haifa.
Haifa municipality - go ahead.
It is known that Yossi Shalom is already looking into the matter - and I trust him to initiate the historic moves.
Nicely written
The time has come for the Haifa municipality to open their eyes and realize the size of the treasure they have here and that it is not only their duty to protect it, it is a huge right to protect wild animals that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs and are in danger of extinction.
The time has long come to recognize this place as unique and protected.
Thanks Gadi
extremely sad A marine reserve should be established. I realized people are really egotistical and some are cruel. fed up May her memory be blessed
so sorry too bad too bad
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