A task force promotes monitoring, analysis and control initiatives sea turtles who live with Maldives, in the Indian Ocean. This is the program foreseen by an agreement signed between the University of Milan-Bicocca and ABA – Animal Welfare Association. A joining of forces between the ABA veterinarians and the marine ecology experts of the MaRHE Center, the research center of excellence of the Milan University.
Paolo Galli, professor of Ecology in the university’s Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences and director of the MaRHE Center, will sit at the top of the task force. Working with Galli is veterinarian Giordano Nardini, president of ABA. Study research will focus on: molecular markers of stress in sea turtles. Through a blood test, experts will be able to understand the health of the animals. Everything will be done with advanced tools.
From this, the presence of infectious diseases or trauma is also analyzed. The results of the analyzes are then placed in a database. Kind of census of aquatic reptiles. Subsequently, research is carried out into reproduction, breeding grounds, sexual behavior and reduction of mortality due to commercial fishing. Another goal is guidelines for the behavior of tourists and citizens with sea turtles, but also with other species of aquatic animals. Respect for the environment, habitat and habits are analysed.
I am very proud of this new collaboration focused on the care and protection, monitoring and care of the sea turtles of the Maldivian Archipelago. The research and conservation activities will start in Faafu Atoll and then move, thanks in part to the dense network of collaborations we have with the resorts, in all Maldivian atolls. We also plan to involve university students enrolled in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology in the activities.
Paolo Galli, at the top of the task force
We hope to have the first epidemiological data on the health status of the turtles within a year and to be able to proceed with the treatment and surgery of the first turtles if necessary. Considering the exterior of the Maldives, which consists of about 1,200 small islands that are difficult to reach, we will try to provide a veterinary telemedicine service.
Giordano Nardini, ABA . Vet President
Source: Lega Nerd
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
