A Very Rare Visitor at Turtle Napoli
Kemp’s ridley turtles are the most threatened sea turtle species in the world. This is only the **second time** Turtle Point has hosted one—the first was in 2014. Finding one in the Mediterranean is extremely rare and offers a unique opportunity for research and conservation.
Welcome, Saphira! Stay tuned for updates and to learn how you can help us fight marine pollution.
Wiem Boussellaa is a dedicated marine biologist researcher from Tunisia, specializing in marine conservation and the management of marine ecosystems. With a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Wiem has contributed significantly to projects aimed at preserving marine life. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy, their work focuses on the energy expenditure and ecology of sea turtles during swimming. Wiem has held key roles in various marine conservation projects, including the Life MedTurtles project at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax and the Deep Blue project with OGS. As a member of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) and a project manager for the Tunisian Taxonomy Association (ATUTAX), Wiem has actively participated in the fight against ghost fishing and has been instrumental in developing a National Code of Conduct for Ghost Gear Management in Tunisia. Throughout their career, Wiem has authored several publications on marine ecosystems and conservation and has been recognized for several innovative contributions to the field. With extensive experience in project management, scientific research, and international collaboration, they continue to drive impactful conservation efforts within the Mediterranean region.
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This story is incredible, Wiem!
Saphira’s journey is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, an urgent call to action for ocean conservation. It’s inspiring to see the care and resilience that Turtle Point embodies in giving this critically endangered Kemp’s ridley a second chance.
As someone passionate about conservation and amplifying underrepresented voices, I’m especially moved by how rare her presence is in the Mediterranean. It makes me wonder: how might stories like Saphira’s help spark public engagement or influence policy shifts around marine pollution?
Looking forward to seeing the photos and learning more about the restoration efforts. Thank you for bringing this vital narrative to life!
Warm regards from Kenya,
Simon
Thank you Simon
It's so heart-wrenching to see how plastic pollution is affecting the marine lives. I can't imagine the pain Saphira must have been through! Thank you so much, Wiem! The hardwork of you and your team at Turtle Point, and the strength of Saphira, are giving me hope. I'm curious to know what was the process of healing Saphira?
Thank you so much for your kind words and support—it truly means a lot to us and to Saphira’s journey.
Her recovery started with stabilization: rehydration, thermal support, and careful monitoring of her vitals. Once she began passing plastic debris, we introduced a controlled diet to help her regain strength.
We monitored her closely to ensure normal buoyancy, appetite, and swimming behavior. It’s been a gradual process, but she's responding well.
Saphira’s resilience reminds us why this work matters—and how urgent the fight against marine pollution is.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It truly is remarkable! Best wishes for you and your team for future work!
Thank you