Antalya: A loggerhead sea turtle named Gumus (Silver) has astonished scientists by traveling an extraordinary 24,000 kilometers (14,913 miles) across the Mediterranean, marking one of the most surprising migration routes ever recorded for the species. Gumus, along with another loggerhead turtle named Altin (Gold), was fitted with a satellite tracker and released in July 2024 at Kizilot Beach in the Manavgat district of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. This initiative is part of the Ecological Research Association's (EKAD) marine turtles research, monitoring, and conservation project.

According to Philippines News Agency, while Altin followed a traditional route along the Libyan coast, Gumus embarked on an unexpected journey. The turtle departed from Antalya, traversed the open sea, lingered near the Greek islands, reached Sicily and Italy, and then proceeded towards Tunisia's Hammamet Gulf. Gumus continued its westward journey along North Africa's coast, passing near the Gaza Strip, Egypt's Bardawil Lake, and Ras el-Bar, before looping back towards Sicily.

From Sicily, Gumus ventured westward through the Tyrrhenian Sea, past Sardinia, along Algeria, and into the Balearic Sea. The turtle is currently located off Torrevieja, Spain. Onur Candan from EKAD informed Anadolu that Gumus has discovered a new migration corridor in the Mediterranean. Candan noted, "We believe this unusual behavior is linked to rising sea surface temperatures - a clear sign of climate change."

EKAD is also monitoring two additional turtles, Flora and Fauna, whose migration paths cover extensive regions including Tripoli, Mersin, Greece, and Ibiza. The project aims to provide crucial data to protect this endangered species as warming waters continue to alter traditional migration patterns across the Mediterranean.