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Holidaymakers stranded due to 'turtle curfew'
Zante’s Bay of Laganas is one of the most important breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles.

Curfew protects endangered loggerheads from light and noise

Holidaymakers were reportedly left stranded on the Greek island of Zakinthos (Zante) on Sunday (30 July) due to a ‘turtle curfew’ on flights.

According to The Guardian, the curfew had been in place because of vulnerable loggerhead turtles breeding nearby.

Passengers waiting for their flight - a replacement for an aircraft that had technical difficulties - were stuck at Zakinthos International Airport. Some travellers, who did not book alternative flights, only arrived home on Tuesday.

It is currently turtle breeding season in Greece and, according to the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Archelon, late June to early July sees the highest levels of spawning.

Zante’s Bay of Laganas is one of the most important breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles, who like to lay their eggs in the sand. In 1984, due to its importance as a reproductive area, the Greek government introduced measures to protect it.

These measures were further strengthened in 1994, when night flights into and out of Zante were prohibited. This is because the runway for take-off and landing passes over the beach and the aircraft noise and lights disturbs nesting turtles.

Easyjet later apologised for the passenger's delay. A spokesperson said: “We do all possible to try and minimise delays and as such planned to send a replacement aircraft.

"Unfortunately, due to the night curfew rule at the airport, we were unable to get the replacement aircraft into the airport. The flight departed Zante and arrived at London Gatwick today."

Image (C) Strobilomyces

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.